UNCASVILLE, Conn. – If you think Jake Hager’s fight with Anthony Garrett ended because of a low blow, the former WWE superstar has a message for you:
“Go get certified as a ref.”
At Bellator 231, the bout between Hager (2-0 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) and Garrett (4-2 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) was ruled a no contest due to an unintentional groin shot. It was the second accidental knee Hager landed on Garrett in the first round.
At a post-fight news conference after the event, Hager gave his thoughts on the situation and blamed his opponent for the final ruling. “The Big Hurt” said he has no interest in a rematch with Garrett.
“I’m obviously disappointed with the finish tonight,” Hager said. “I didn’t think I hit him at all. Is it something I’d be interested in running back? I don’t know. It didn’t seem like he wanted to fight tonight, so what’s going change the next time? Is he really going to want to fight next time? I’m a competitor. I’m a fighter. I’m doing so much right now trying to get myself better. For him to do something like that? Whatever.”
When asked if he went back and watched the tape to affirm his perception of the event, Hager said he didn’t “feel a cup” when his knee connected on Garrett.
“We all have cups on out there,” Hager said. “I didn’t feel a cup. You can watch it back. I saw his leg lift up from the knee. But I can’t control that. It’s something that I’ve got to move on from. Like I said, I’m here to fight. I just don’t think he was tonight.
“… I believe he wanted out of the cage, yes. You saw how he reacted after the first one. That was clear. It hit him right in the arm, so I think that’s all that needs to be said about it. He didn’t want to be in there any more.”
Hager plans on redirecting his focus to participating in AEW wrestling on Wednesday nights. The former WWE champion made his debut Oct. 3 and will have a recurring role going forward.
Overall, Hager thinks Friday’s situation will make him a better fighter. The 37-year-old heavyweight deemed the ordeal “a bump in the road” and hopes to get back inside the cage soon.
“I’m healthy, I got paid, and I still have a TV show Wednesday nights on TNT,” Hager said. “There could be worse things. There could be a way worse finish. I think this will be a great learning curve for me. It’ll be a bump in the road, but I’ll only keep getting better. I’m only going to keep working harder. Stuff like this only motivates me.
“I think sooner (rather) than later, you’re going to see me back in here to get that next ‘W.’”
Jake Hager denies low blow at Bellator 231: 'I believe he wanted out of the cage'
