MMA fighter taps out of fight to avoid hurting opponent

Sportsmanship at its finest.

In a great show of sportsmanship, an amateur MMA fighter ended a fight in the first round because he didn’t want to unnecessarily hurt his opponent.

Mike Pantangco was dominating fellow amateur Jeremy Rasner , a last- minute replacement, when Pantangco suddenly got down on his knees and tapped the floor of the ring, ending the fight. Tapping out is usually done by the losing fighter in order to signal defeat.

Pantangco told Inside MMA, that since neither fighter was getting paid, he felt there was no point unnecessarily hurting Rasner and risk sending him to the hospital.

Some people criticised the move, arguing that it was a pity move and damaging to both their careers.

In a post on the the Inside MMA Facebook page Pantango justified his decision to tap out.

"Good afternoon everyone. my name is Mike Pantangco ..... The guy I fought is a replacement (at the) last minute.. And Jeremy is our gym friend and he just step up to give me a fight... And I am sorry for all you guys think I did him wrong or disrespect him ...

"I know what I did and I am mad about it that I didn't give him a fight .. But guys were ammy (amateur) fighters. We don't get paid.. And if I would keep going I would've hurt him more and maybe he get in serious injuries and maybe that make him stop doing what he loves to do ... And maybe he become one of the best fighter alive who knows?

"Just think about it guys ... I don't care if my ammy record have one lost ? Big deal? I know what i did . And enough is enough".

Pure class.