KUBRAT Pulev returned to action by a brutal knockout in the first round over Frank Mir, former UFC heavyweight champion.
Mir was stunned that the referee didn’t stop the fight after Pulev had crunched overhand.
Pulev's round 1 TKO on Frank Mir, wtf was the ref doing
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After the fight, Shannon Briggs joined Pulev and was in the ring with him
Pulev, 40, missed with a powerful uppercut, but connected with a brutal right hook that sent Mir crashing backwards onto the ropes.
Despite his inaction, Dan Miragliotta was still a referee. It took Pulev's mercy to not pile on with more punches for Miragliotta until Miragliotta finally gave up.
Pulev and Mir were fighting in Texas under the Triad Combat Rules.
Both fighters wore lighter MMA gloves and were permitted to hit and hold in a triangular shaped ring.
This was Pulev's first fight since December 2012, when Anthony Joshua stopped him.
Fans were stunned to learn that Mir, 42, was not saved sooner by the referee.
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One fumed: "Disgraceful refereeing. This kind of thing will stop boxing.
Another said, "That ref needs to look in the mirror." Mir could have been seriously hurt if Pulev had not returned in to launch him again.
Pulev was also praised for his ability to spot Mir wasn't fit to continue the fight and was held back until it was over.
One fan applauded him and said: "Credit Pulev, showed mercy."
According to reports, the Bulgarian will now turn his attention to traditional boxing and could face off against British Joe Joyce, 36.
Ivaylo Gotzev, Pulev's promoter, told Sky Sports that he received a lot offers. Joe Joyce is looking to find us.
"Kubrat will not be a stepping stone. We're going to choose our battles and get him back to the place he loves.
"It all depends on how he wants the ring to be entered and how long he will keep going."
