Bellator pulled in the ratings for “Bellator 170” headlined by Tito Ortiz and Chael Sonnen and even though that should call for a celebration, there is still a bit of controversy surrounding the headlining fight.
After Ortiz escaped a guillotine choke attempt by Sonnen, he transitioned to full mount and ultimately found the back of “The Baddest Man on the Planet”. Ortiz locked on a rear naked choke, which looked more like a crank, and Sonnen had no choice but to submit and tap out. Ortiz refused to let go of the submission, however, even after referee John McCarthy tried to pry him off. Eventually, Ortiz let go of the hold and the time he held on to it was far from dangerous, but it did raise a few eyebrows.
The California State Athletic Commission has spoken with MMA Fighting about the situation and confirmed that Ortiz will not be punished:
“We are not looking to. Referee John McCarthy fixed that situation quickly. John got him to release the choke. If a referee wants a fighter punished for conduct, they will come and we will discuss it. That did not happen.”
