Leonardo Santos attempts to end Roman Bogatov's night early. Per Haljestam-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Things turn ugly in Leonardo Santos-Roman Bogatov UFC 251 bout

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 7/11/20

The first of the preliminary matches in UFC 251 Saturday night at Fight Island pitted Leonardo Santos against the undefeated Roman Bogatov in a lightweight bout.

It was apparent that Santos was aiming to end Bogatov’s night relatively early. Check out this barrage of right hooks with a knee coupled in, as the latter attempted to remain in the match.

Bogatov survived this barrage from Santos #UFC251 pic.twitter.com/AeeueFQNou
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) July 12, 2020

It’s absolutely shocking that Bogatov was not knocked out after what seemed to be more than 10 landed punches from Santos.

What happened later in the fight was even crazier. With Santos down, Bogatov shook him with an illegal knee.

And now Bogatov with an illegal knee to a downed Santos! What is happening?!? #UFC251
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) July 12, 2020

Even the refs had words for Bogatov during the entire incident.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

After a series of illegal strikes by Roman Bogatov, referee @marcgoddard_uk asks the obvious question… #UFC251 pic.twitter.com/3sXMYr1SLi
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) July 12, 2020

This came after a pair of low blows from the Russian earlier in the round. It really is amazing that Bogatov as not disqualified for these actions.

The end result was a two-point deduction for Bogatov, and ultimately his first career loss.

Needless to say, the ugliness we saw on display in the Octagon late in the fight had the UFC world calling out Bogatov in a big way.

Bogatov got the trifecta of illegal blows! Eye poke, groin shot and a knee to the head of a grounded opponent. #UFC251
— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) July 12, 2020