UFC fighter Colby Covington sparked outrage after a live stream showed him putting rapper Lil Pump in a chokehold. The incident, which took place on Saturday, left viewers shocked as Lil Pump appeared to struggle to breathe and eventually went limp before Covington released his grip. Though it’s unclear how long the chokehold lasted, the video began with Covington already applying the hold and tightening it for about 10 seconds before letting go.
Fans were upset by the video, criticizing Covington for using such a dangerous move on someone without MMA experience. They also questioned the person filming the incident, arguing that they should have intervened. Some felt that the video made light of a potentially dangerous situation, which could encourage impressionable viewers to mimic such actions.
Colby Covington choked Lil Pump out cold ? pic.twitter.com/tCLQ1wZbo7
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) September 22, 2024
The controversy has sparked debates about the responsibility of professional fighters when showcasing their skills in non-competitive environments. Many believe that Covington’s actions, even if done in jest, crossed a line given the physical risks involved. This incident has raised concerns about the potential for similar stunts to go wrong, especially when performed by those not trained in mixed martial arts.
