Askhabov's TKO win overturned to disqualification loss after attacking opponent during timeout

Khusein Askhabov has been disqualified and suspended for 12 months after the Danish Mixed Martial Arts Federation overturned his TKO victory over Reinaldo Ekson at Airtox Dominance FC 8 in Copenhagen, Denmark on October 17. Ekson has been declared the winner by disqualification.

The incident occurred when Askhabov attempted to attack Ekson after the referee called a timeout to assess a suspected eye poke. The bout was stopped at that point, and Askhabov was initially awarded the technical knockout win — a result the DMMAF subsequently reviewed and reversed.

“Having reviewed the incident, DMMAF has determined that Askhabov’s actions during the timeout constituted a serious violation of the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts and warranted disqualification, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the initial stoppage,” the federation said in an official statement.

The punishment extends beyond Askhabov himself. The DMMAF also imposed the 12-month ban on his corner team, barring all parties from participating in any DMMAF-sanctioned events or activities — whether as a fighter, coach, cornerman, or in any other capacity — in accordance with the federation’s Code of Conduct.

Askhabov made his sole UFC appearance in 2023, losing by unanimous decision to Jamall Emmers in what was the first defeat of his professional career. Later that year, the UFC cancelled his scheduled bout with Daniel Pineda following an arrest in Thailand, where he was questioned by authorities over allegations of kidnapping, torture and extortion. Reports subsequently indicated that charges against Askhabov and a relative were dropped.