At the “Cage Warriors 186” event held on Friday at the O2 Arena in London, Yannick Bahati etched his name into the record books with the fastest knockout in the organization’s history. However, this achievement was accompanied by controversy over the legitimacy of the strike that ended the fight in just four seconds.
Bahati (10 wins, 7 losses, 1 draw) faced Charles Joyner (4 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw) in a light heavyweight bout. The fight began with a glove touch between the two fighters, a moment typically seen as a gesture of respect or a symbolic start to the match. But Bahati quickly capitalized on this moment, unleashing a powerful right hand immediately after the touch, sending Joyner to the ground and stopping the fight instantly.
The organization announced that the knockout set a new record for the fastest finish in “Cage Warriors” history, but reactions to the feat were mixed.
WOW! 😯 Yannick Bahati with the quickest KO in Cage Warriors history.
Consider the score settled ❌ #CW186 pic.twitter.com/mwns0i9Jdi— Cage Warriors (@CageWarriors) March 21, 2025
While Bahati celebrated his quick victory, many fans and observers criticized the strike, calling it “dirty” or unsportsmanlike, especially since it came right after the glove touch, a moment traditionally considered symbolic and not part of the actual fight.
"I Beat Rocky's Record in UFC As Well!" 😜😂
Yannick Bahati reacts to breaking Cage Warriors and UFC history at #CW186 London! pic.twitter.com/NCLdXz7QMU
— Cage Warriors (@CageWarriors) March 21, 2025
Controversy Over the Win’s Legitimacy
Although the strike was technically legal, its timing raised questions about sportsmanship. Many view the initial glove touch as a moment of respect between fighters, not an opportunity to start the fight unexpectedly. This made Bahati’s victory controversial, with some seeing the strike as “unsportsmanlike” or “cheap.”
On the other hand, Bahati defended his win, stating that he was ready from the very first moment and that he had not broken any rules. He said after the fight, “I was ready from the first second—that’s what a professional fighter is supposed to do. I wasn’t going to let an opportunity slip.”
Reactions on Social Media
Clips of the fight circulated on social media, sparking divided reactions. While some praised Bahati’s quick reflexes and ability to end the fight in seconds, others criticized the strike, calling it “inappropriate.” One user wrote, “This isn’t a fight; it’s a cheat. The glove touch isn’t the start of the fight; it’s a moment of respect.”
Bahati’s Future After This Win
Despite the controversy, Bahati’s victory remains a record in “Cage Warriors” history. However, the question remains: Will this knockout be remembered as a sporting achievement or a controversial strike? This debate could affect Bahati’s popularity among fans, especially if criticism of his fighting style persists.
In the end, while Bahati celebrates his quick win, it seems this triumph may have cost him some fan sympathy. The debate over the strike’s legitimacy and sportsmanship continues among combat sports enthusiasts.
