‘That’s new’: PFL fighter Cedric Doumbe loses by TKO to a splinter

MMA star Cedric Doumbe was “disgusted” after his main event fight was waved off in the third round for the most unlikely of reasons.

MMA star Cedric Doumbe was left “disgusted” after his fight was stopped due to a splinter in his toe.

Doumbe, a former world kickboxing champion, returned for his sixth bout in the cage against rival Baysangur “Baki” Chamsoudinov.

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But it ended in controversial style as in round three Doumbe froze and complained about a foot injury.

The welterweight pointed towards his feet and appeared to tell referee Marc Goddard that he wanted a time out.

Doumbe wasn’t happy. Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP

To be fair, it was a big splinter. Photo: Twitter

But after being told to fight on, Doumbe, 31, and Baki, 22, refused to throw shots causing Goddard to again step in.

Doumbe once more pointed to his toe and this time ref Goddard waved the contest off sparking outrage in the cage.

Baki was given a bizarre technical knockout win as the sold out Accor Arena broke out into boos.

One fan said: “TKO by splinter that’s new.”

And Doumbe, speaking in French, raged: “I’m disgusted. I didn’t want this. Make some noise for Baki. This isn’t his fault. It’s the ref’s fault.

“I feel like there is a piece of glass or wood in my foot. I told the ref. I told Baki. Baki said so get it out. And then the ref stopped it.

“I never asked to stop the fight.”

Doumbe couldn’t believe it. Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP

Premier League cult hero Djibril Cisse and fellow former Liverpool star Mamadou Sakho were among those watching on in shock.

Doumbe quickly called for a rematch, adding: “I’m not sure if Baki wants it. I have no idea what just happened. I’m very sad.

“Of course, I want to do this again.”

Baki said: “Doumbe is a legend of kickboxing. It was an honour to fight. This is not how I want to win.”

This story first appeared in The Sun and was republished with permission.

Originally published as ‘That’s new’: PFL fighter Cedric Doumbe loses by TKO to a splinter