We were not happy to read a report from MMA Weekly that TUF 9 vet Frankie Lester allegedly hit female fighter Cassie Crisano [Ed. Note: And former Hot Potato] while in a scuffle between her and his girlfriend, fighter Shanie Rusth Saturday night after the two women weighed in opposite one another for an amateur MMA card in Virginia. Come to think of it, we’re incensed by the possibility that a large, professional male fighter may have hit Crisano in the face, and it has nothing to do with the fact that her face is particularly pleasant to look at. That stuff just ain’t cool.
According to MMA Weekly ‘s Damon Martin, “The situation unraveled during a weigh-in between two women’s competitors, Cassie Crisano and Shanie Rusth. Lester was there supporting Rusth, who is his girlfriend.
“According to several sources, a heated exchange took place between Crisano
and Rusth at the scales, after which Rusth spit on Crisano, and seconds later a
fight broke out between the participants. In the melee, Lester allegedly struck
Crisano before the participants were broken apart by others at the weigh-in.”
So far, no video or photos of the incident have emerged, and we don’t know if any criminal charges have been filed by anyone. But a statement from the owner of the promotion, Spartan promotions, makes it sound like he saw Rusth spit and Lester hit.
“Spartan Promotions strives to bring exciting amateur fights in a manner of class, integrity and sportsmanship,” James Jones, the owner, write.
“We are in the business of promoting events to showcase the talent and spirit behind Mixed Martial Arts. We do not, in any way, condone the actions that took place tonight at the weigh-ins for Battle of the Spartans IV.
“Spitting or striking of an opponent outside the cage does not hold to our core values. We thank those that intervened to stop the situation from escalating. We will be cooperating with the authorities as they move forward in their investigation.”
Let this be a cautionary tale, guys. Go and support your girl at her things, ie. a weigh in if she’s a fighter. But if she starts some shit with another chick, maybe you should just let her finish it for herself.
