

It is fairly common for fights to break out in sports other than MMA. It can often stem from arguments or other heated moments during the game. Some of those fights reflect poorly on the sports and the players involved. Recently, one such incident in the NBA raised concern among fight fans for purely safety reasons.
In a recent NBA match between Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic, Detroit’s Killian Hayes punched Orlando’s Moe Wagner. Hayes’ punch landed on the back of Wagner’s head, following which he collapsed. Now, the viral clip has invited severe reactions from fight fans. While they argued about who was responsible for initiating the scuffle, they unanimously agreed on one thing.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
MMA fans react to Hayes assaulting Wagner
In the entire clip of the incident, Wagner can be seen shoving Hayes while they were vying for the ball. While the Pistons team confronted Wagner about it, Killian Hayes rushed from behind to hit Wagner on the back of his head. Under many of the clips showing the altercation, fight fans pointed out how dangerous such strikes were. Many of them also emphasized how strikes to the back of the head are illegal even in MMA.
One fan pointed out the same and hoped Wagner was ok.
Bruh that’s so dangerous, why you think MMA doesn’t let their fighters hit someone in the back of the head. Yikes. This could end up real bad for Hayes. Hope Wagner is ok
— I Am LeGin (@IAmLegin32) December 29, 2022
Similarly, others pointed out the illegal shot and called for action against Hayes.
This is why back of the head shoot are illegal in MMA
— keith lyle (@funnykeithlyle) December 29, 2022
Just saw Killian Hayes cheap shot to the back of Wagner’s head. He should be suspended minimum through next season. Hit isn’t even in allowed in boxing or MMA.
— GarnoldPalmerTTV (@Garnold_Palmer) December 29, 2022
MMA reporter Luke Thomas shared his astonishment and pointed out the same.
This punch isn’t even legal in professional MMA. https://t.co/bCfwIyHhyd
— Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) December 29, 2022
the way killian punched wagner is literally banned in the MMA for a reason
— eli 🍄 (@afropunkeli_) December 29, 2022
This is why this punch is outlawed in all combat sports
— A-Rob (@rto_dto21) December 29, 2022
Another fan held both players accountable for the scuffle and assumed Hayes would be in more trouble.
Bitch move by Moe no doubt, but Killian gonna get in some trouble for that. That’s illegal in MMA, let alone the NBA. https://t.co/rztWPR3Z5N
— Connor Wilton (@ConnorJayWilton) December 29, 2022
@NBA that’s assault. MMA doesn’t even allow strikes to the back of the head.
— Pete Tamisin (@petetamisin) December 29, 2022
While the scuffle between Hayes and Wagner is the hot topic at the moment, Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors got in trouble for a similar incident a few months back.
Throwback to the Draymond Green incident
A few months ago, a leaked clip of a scuffle between two Golden State Warriors players surfaced on the internet. In the clip, Warriors’ Draymond Green punched his teammate Jordan Poole during a practice session. The brief clip did not show the reason for the altercation. However, Green seemingly knocked out his teammate and got the attention of the MMA community.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
MMA analyst Ariel Helwani shared a clip of the incident on Twitter. Top MMA stars like Demetrious Johnson and Terrance McKinney were among those who reacted.
Despite the severity of the incident, Green escaped with a fine and did not face suspension. As NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith predicted, it was indeed “much ado about nothing.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story– Highest paid players on Curry’s Warriors after latest contract extensions for Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins
What are your reactions to the Hayes-Wagner incident? What action do you think will should be taken against Hayes? Let us know in the comments below.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT