Footage has re-emerged of MMA fighter Drew Chatman’s moment of madness back in 2018, when he celebrated his victory over Irvins Ayala by front flipping off his opponent's back…whilst he lay unconscious.

The heavyweight clash took place at the Legacy Fighting Association 36 event in California, and produced some shockingly bizarre moments which have since gone viral.

The footage below shows Ayala inadvertently hitting his face on Chatman’s knee in the first round, knocking himself out in the process.

Chatman then stands on his opponent’s back and does a front flip before being ushered to the side by the referee.

A rather disgraceful way of celebrating a win, and something he'd later regret.

The 23-year-old was later disqualified and suspended for 90 days by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) and forfeited his half of the purse.

After the incident, an apologetic Chatman told MMA Fighting that emotions were running high as a pro MMA debutante, and essentially, he didn’t know what he was doing in that sequence.

“I threw a kick, he tripped me and as he came down, I moved my knee in a certain position and he had hit his chin to my knee. At that moment, it happened so fast that my instincts just kicked in and I started punching,” said Chatman.

“As he fell down to the floor, it was almost like I couldn’t believe he was out, because it happened really quick. My natural reaction was just to get up.

“Normally, I celebrate my fights. If you see my amateur fights, I’m doing flips, I’m doing cartwheels or whatever the case may be. I didn’t think before I did it. I just jumped and did a flip. So it was almost like subconsciously I did what I normally would do celebrating a victory that I normally get.”

Despite his attempts at explaining his actions, fans were quick to criticise Chatman for his disrespectful behaviour and felt that CSAC were far too lenient with their punishment.

One fan at the time said: "One of the dirtiest things I have ever seen in MMA. He should be cut from the promotion and suspended by the commission. Complete lack of class or professionalism."

Another said: "100% Unprofessional. He's not a good look for the sport!"

Derek Wiesemann added: "He should not ever fight again! That was absolutely classless & uncalled for! No room for that in any sport!"