Georgi Valentinov has been banned from participating in MAX FIGHT galas in Bulgaria after biting off part of the ear of his opponent in the ring, Mitko Iliev, yesterday.
„What happened at the end of the evening was a shock to everyone - including me. But let me be very clear: MAX FIGHT will not compromise. MAX FIGHT will continue to build a stage for real fighters - people with discipline, honor and heart. "Everyone else has no place here," said the organization's president, Lyuben Dzhubrilov, in a statement.
Here's what the statement says:
"Dear fans of combat sports,
Dear friends of MAX FIGHT,
I am writing to you not only as the president of the largest professional combat organization in Bulgaria, but also as a person who has been defending the name of this sport and its meaning for more than 20 years - honor, courage, respect and controlled force within the rules.
On July 19, 2025, during the MAXFIGHT 62 event at the Summer Theater in Sveti Vlas, we witnessed something that not only has no place in sports - it has no place in any civilized form of behavior. Georgi Valentinov committed a deliberate, brutal and horrific act by biting off part of the ear of his opponent Mitko Iliev. This was not a sporting situation. This was not a loss of control. This was a deliberate and heinous act that is not subject to any justification.
And in such cases there is no room for "discussion" or "conciliatory tone". There is only room for a position.
MAX FIGHT takes its responsibility clearly and categorically:
Georgi Valentinov is banned from participating in any event organized by us. No right of appeal. No "second chance". No apologies.
What happened at the end of the evening was a shock to everyone - including me. But let me be very clear:
MAX FIGHT will not compromise. MAX FIGHT will continue to build a stage for true fighters - people with discipline, honor and heart. All others have no place here.
With respect to you and to the sport,
Lyuben Dzhubrilov".