A Russian MMA fighter has been handed a lifetime ban after delivering an illegal head kick, knocking out his opponent during a boxing match.

Idris Abdurashidov, who boasts an impressive 4-0 record in mixed martial arts, including two rapid stoppage victories in just 18 and 22 seconds, faced a major setback following the controversial incident.

The 21-year-old made his professional boxing debut in Phuket, Thailand, on Saturday night but appeared to be heading for defeat against Iran's Bagher Faraji.

Under intense pressure in the fourth round, Abdurashidov, in an unexpected turn, stepped away from Faraji before unleashing a brutal and illegal head kick on his unsuspecting opponent.

The strike immediately rendered the Iranian fighter unconscious, sending him crashing face-first onto the canvas. The referee quickly intervened, halting the contest and disqualifying Abdurashidov for the illegal blow.

After the match, the Russian athlete posted a video of the knockout, boasting about the incident while acknowledging the potential consequences of his actions, hinting at a lifetime disqualification.

“So, I made my debut in professional boxing, and now I’m disqualified for life,” he said. “That head kick—I threw it like a machine gun.”

Later, Abdurashidov shared another post alongside Faraji, who had previously won his first two professional boxing bouts by technical knockout. The post featured the two fighters shaking hands, with a caption stating: "We shook hands, it’s all part of the fight. We've made peace."

Despite the conciliatory gesture between the fighters, fans were far less forgiving of the Russian's actions.

One fan commented, “You were being humiliated, and you resorted to cheating. Classless behaviour, and I’m glad you’re banned for life. 0-1 in boxing.”

Another fan stated, “He should be arrested for assault and battery and barred from participating in any combat sports again. That was disgraceful.”

A third fan remarked, “Unsportsmanlike conduct from someone who should not be competing. This was a boxing match, not kickboxing.”

Faraji, meanwhile, has since posted additional footage from the fight, thanking his supporters for their encouragement after the shocking incident.