A shocking incident rocked MaxFight 62 on July 19, 2025, at the Summer Theatre in Sveti Vlas, Bulgaria. In an MMA fight, Georgi Valentinov bit off a chunk of Mitko Iliev’s ear and spat it out, horrifying fans and officials. The brutal act led to Valentinov’s disqualification and a permanent ban from MaxFight events. MaxFight president Lyuben Dzhubrilov called it a disgrace to the sport, vowing to protect its values.
Bite Incident Stuns Fight Crowd
The fight turned ugly when Valentinov, locked in a clinch with Iliev, sank his teeth into Iliev’s ear. Video posted by Vechtsport Info on X showed Valentinov ripping off a piece and spitting it onto the canvas as Iliev cried out in pain, yelling, “He’s biting me!” The referee didn’t stop the fight immediately, but after review, officials disqualified Valentinov, awarding Iliev the win. Dzhubrilov condemned the act, stating:
“Dear fans of combat sports, 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.”
He continued, “On July 19, 2025, during the MAXFIGHT 62 event at the Summer Theatre 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.”
He banned Valentinov for life, adding:
“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.”
Chaos erupted at Maxfight 62 in St. Vlas when Bulgarian fighter Georgi Valentinov sank his teeth into his opponent’s ear during a live MMA bout—biting off a full section and spitting it mid-fight, in a scene eerily reminiscent of Tyson vs. Holyfield. St. Vlas, Bulgaria – July 19,… pic.twitter.com/jnGvsRMfiA
— Vechtsport Info 🇳🇱 🇲🇦 🇧🇪 🇪🇺 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@vechtsport_Info) July 21, 2025
Georgi Valentinov, a 32-year-old Bulgarian fighter, competed in regional MMA promotions, mainly MaxFight, Bulgaria’s leading MMA organization. His record, partially documented on Sherdog and Tapology, shows a 23-5 pro MMA record with fights in local events. He also had a win in BKFC two fights before MaxFight 62. Valentinov was a respected name in Bulgaria’s MMA scene, often fighting in front of home crowds. His career took a hit after this incident, as Dzhubrilov’s lifetime ban ended his time with MaxFight. Valentinov has not commented publicly on the event or ban.
Mitko Iliev, another Bulgarian MMA fighter, has been active in regional promotions like MaxFight. His fight record is not fully detailed on Sherdog or Tapology, but he’s known for facing tough local opponents. At MaxFight 62, Iliev aimed to make a mark in front of Bulgarian fans. Instead, he suffered a gruesome injury when Valentinov bit his ear. Despite the pain, Iliev continued until officials stopped the fight. He won by disqualification, but the physical and emotional toll of the injury is still unknown.
The ear-biting incident has shaken Bulgaria’s MMA scene. MaxFight promotes honor and discipline, as Dzhubrilov stressed:
“MAX FIGHT will continue to build a stage for true fighters — people with discipline, honor, and heart. All others have no place here.”
Valentinov’s actions damaged the sport’s reputation in Bulgaria, where MMA struggles for mainstream acceptance. The incident, broadcast live on Bulgarian TV, drew comparisons to Mike Tyson’s 1997 ear-bite against Evander Holyfield, reigniting debates about MMA’s image.
