Artur Sovinski Defeats Vaso Bakočević by Knockout at FNC 26

MMA fighter Vaso Bakočević suffered a knockout loss in the first round against Artur Sovinski at the FNC 26 event held on October 14, 2023, in the Mtel Dvorana Morača in Podgorica, Montenegro. The bout, which lasted just over half a minute, showcased Sovinski’s striking power, marking a decisive moment in his professional debut in bare-knuckle boxing.

The fight began with Sovinski delivering a powerful right cross that visibly shook Bakočević. Despite this early setback, Bakočević managed to return to his feet and continued the match. However, the contest ended abruptly shortly after when Bakočević advanced and was met with a left jab from Sovinski. The referee quickly intervened, stopping the fight to ensure Bakočević’s safety.

This match was particularly significant as it rekindled a rivalry that began over a decade ago. The two fighters faced off in an MMA bout in 2012, where Bakočević lost by a split decision to Sovinski. With this recent defeat, Bakočević has now recorded two losses in bare-knuckle boxing, while he boasts six victories in this discipline.

Following the fight, Bakočević was taken to the Urgent Care Center. He confirmed this on social media, posting an image of himself undergoing a scan to assess the damage from the heavy blows received during the match. In his post, he simply stated, “Pukla tikva,” which translates to “The pumpkin cracked,” indicating the severity of the situation.

As the aftermath of the fight unfolds, further information regarding Bakočević’s injuries is awaited. His experience serves as a reminder of the physical toll that combat sports can impose on athletes, emphasizing the importance of medical attention following such intense encounters.