Delivering a knockout blow to your opponent is why you get into cage fighting in the first place, so you can excuse 26-year-old Asiashu Tshitamba for being excited about his win at Saturday’s EFC 81.

Facing off against Billy “The Kid” Oosthuizen in Pretoria, Tshitamba delivered a kick to the chin just 10 seconds into the second round, earning his fourth straight win in the competition.

Not as snappy as the fastest knockout in UFC history – five seconds into the fight – but still a sound beating.

What came next, though, has caused some controversy, with many EFC (Extreme Fighting Championship) fans upset about Tshitamba’s celebration.

Observe:

Yeah, definitely an interesting choice to simulate shooting your opponent twice in the head while he lies prone on the mat.

According to Business Insider, many felt the celebration was unnecessary and disrespectful:

However, Graeme Cartmell, the EFC’s Vice President for Talent, told Business Insider it is down to the fighters how they choose to celebrate victory.

“I’ve got the be honest with you, we take a stance that these guys are presenting their own images,” said Cartmell, “And whatever they do will ultimately encourage fans to garner them in high regard or see them in the way a few people have seen them on Twitter.

“50% of the room are gonna go ‘that was awesome’ and take it like a cowboy reference to Billy The Kid, and others will say it’s not the way to do it.”

Cartmell added: “I certainly wouldn’t condone it from that perspective, but if that’s how he celebrates, that what he’s chosen to do.”

I suppose if you dub yourself Billy “The Kid” Oosthuizen, you run the risk of a few fake gunshots aimed in your direction.

EFC 82 is set to take place on September 28 in Jozi.

[source:businsider]