While completely dominating his Prison City Fight League amateur MMA match against Jeremy Rasner, fighter Mike Pantangco tapped out during the bout to spare his overmatched opponent the pain and humiliation a a total beat-down.
In the video, Pantangco can be seen completely outclassing his opponent, landing blow after blow in the first round before he made the sympathetic — and controversial — decision.
The footage has been met with mixed responses on social media — many have told Pantangco of their respect for his decision while others have claimed it was disrespectful to not give his opponent a full effort.
The Philippines-born fighter revealed to Inside MMA exactly what he was thinking when he tapped out of what would have been a clear-cut victory.
“We don’t get paid and I know that the only (way) I’m going to finish the fight is him to go in the hospital or get hurt,” Pantangco said.
He answered his critics on Facebook:
“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,” he wrote.
“But guys (we’re 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.
“I don’t care if my (amateur) record have one (loss)? Big deal?”
Pantangco may have plenty of fighting skills, but a lot can be said of his sportsmanship as well.
Pantangco may have plenty of fighting skills, but a lot can be said of his sportsmanship as well.
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