Potieria Files Appeal Against ‘Cool Somersault’

“Everyone only sees a cool somersault, but…”

Ihor Potieria agreed to fight Michel Pereira on short notice.

Pereira returned the favor and submitted Potieria on short notice after landing a “cool somersault” during their UFC 301 contest earlier this month in Brazil, which led to a fight-ending submission at 0:54 of the opening frame.

Unfortunately, the knee to Potieria’s dome was illegal.

“All I remember is the forbidden flying knee to my head when I was lying on my back, after which I don’t even remember how I got up, probably an instinct of self-preservation,” Potieria wrote on Instagram. “Three well-known athletic commissions in America said it was a disqualification, but the fight was in Brazil, so we’ll see what the Rio de Janeiro athletic commission says about it, because at first they also wanted to make a disqualification.”

We may need to put that “Bullet” bout on hold for the time being.

“I accept everything that is offered to me and I want everything to be fair,” Potieria continued. “Of course, everyone only sees a cool somersault, but once again the rules are broken against me during a fight and I don’t want this to go unpunished again. So I’m waiting for news. One day we will meet again and the result of our fight will be completely different. Just give me time to fully prepare!”

The Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission (CABMMA) confirmed to MMA Fighting that it is currently evaluating the appeal and is expected to rule in the coming days.