1 week ago
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Rodolfo Bellato has spoken out after accusations from fans that he allegedly pretended to be knocked out at UFC Atlanta on Saturday.
Bellato was fighting Scotland's Paul Craig only for the bout to be labelled a no-contest following an illegal kick by the Scot.
Once the kick landed, Bellato's strange behaviour prompted criticism.
As he fell to the canvass, he was complaining to the referee. Once on the floor, he appeared knocked out only to quickly regain consciousness.
As the referee attempted to explain to him that the fight was over due to the illegal kick, Bellato bizarrely tried to wrestle the official.
Plenty of fans took to social media to accuse Bellato of dramatising the extent of the damage in a bid to get Craig disqualified.
Rodolfo Bellato (right) lays on the floor after being kicked by Scotland's Paul Craig (left)
Craig acknowledged his kick was illegal after the fight and did not accuse Bellato of quitting
'Anyone who knows me the longest knows I would NEVER do this' said Bellato on Instagram
'Anyone who's known me the longest knows I would NEVER do this, I've never run from war,' said Bellato on Instagram.
'I saw some things on the internet, saying I was an actor there and stuff...
'The moment I was on the ground, I didn't expect to get kicked in the face (illegally)..'I saw some things on the internet, saying I was an actor there and stuff...'I saw some things on the internet, saying I was an actor there and stuff...
'It was a strong kick, when I looked at the judge to complain, my whole body began to tingle and my vision disappeared..
'After that I don't remember anything.
'Why would I fake something after all I been through and on top of that winning the first round?
'I thank all the real ones for the positive messages. God is in charge.'
Speaking after the fight, Craig acknowledged that his upkick was illegal and refused to humour the allegations against Bellato.
