In a heated altercation at a Hardcore FC MMA press event, UFC veteran Diego Brandao found himself at the center of a dramatic confrontation. His former opponent, Mohammad Heibati, snatched Brandao’s symbolic ‘BHF title’ from him during an interview, igniting a physical altercation between the two fighters.
Brandao had won the title by defeating Heibati via split decision in November of the previous year. However, it seems Heibati had not come to terms with the loss and was still seeking to reclaim what he believed was rightfully his.
In footage uploaded to Heibati’s Instagram page, he can be seen approaching Brandao and snatching the belt from him. Brandao immediately reacted, grappling with Heibati and landing a solid right hand to his rival’s jaw. Security quickly intervened to separate the two fighters, but the tension remained palpable.
Heibati went on to caption the video, stating: “This is my belt I won, they took it from me for a while and gave it to him. But today I took what was rightfully mine. Look at Brandao crying. ‘Mine, don’t cry. Tomorrow, I’ll take him from your arms one more time, there will be a reason to cry again. ‘This is my belt, they stole it from me, but won’t give it back… I’ll take her back the day after tomorrow she has a foul mouth!”
Brandao, in turn, took to Instagram to respond, warning Heibati: “The next time you try to steal my belt you will be beaten again and you will be ashamed again. I will hit you in the face with an open hand so not to break your face, also accept the defeat and respect the champion, you’re an idiot.”
Brandao is set to defend his BHF title on Saturday night against Muratbek Qasymbay in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The former Ultimate Fighter winner has had a tumultuous career, including a notable fight against Conor McGregor, which ‘Notorious’ won via first-round TKO. It was after this victory that McGregor first uttered his famous catchphrase “We’re not here to take part, we’re here to take over.”
As the tensions between Brandao and Heibati continue to simmer, MMA fans will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of their ongoing rivalry.
