Footage circulating online has captured the brutal moment former NRL enforcer Richie Fa’aoso was knocked down during a bare-knuckle fight at a backyard event in Sydney.
The 41-year-old former Tonga international was trading punches with opponent Mick Mack at an event promoted as ‘March Madness’ by Bare Knuckle Australia when the fight suddenly turned.
Video from the bout shows Fa’aoso launching a pair of heavy uppercuts before leaving himself exposed. Mack seized the opening, clipping the former prop on the jaw while his guard was down.
Fa’aoso immediately stumbled backwards and crashed to the ground as spectators and organisers rushed into the ring to check on him.
Despite the dramatic fall, the former NRL forward was able to stand after being helped back to his feet.
The fight had been promoted on social media in the days leading up to the event, with Fa’aoso himself confirming his involvement.
Former NRL star Richie Fa’aoso is knocked out by opponent Mick Mack in a backyard Bare Knuckle Australia event
Fa’aoso played for six NRL clubs and had a chequered career that included suspensions, concussions and a broken neck
‘Richie Fa’aoso from Bare Knuckle Australia here. I hear Mick Mack need an opponent so I’m flying down from Townsville to have a crack,’ he said.
‘See you on the 14th.’
According to Bare Knuckle Australia’s Instagram page, the event was held in front of a limited crowd of about 80 spectators.
‘BKA ‘March Madness’ – Tag us in all your clips,’ the promotion wrote alongside footage posted online.
Reports also indicate that Mack broke his hand during the fight.
Fa’aoso was one of the toughest forwards of his era during an 11-year rugby league career that saw him play for six NRL clubs, including the Penrith Panthers, Sydney Roosters, Newcastle Knights and Melbourne Storm.
He was part of Melbourne’s 2012 premiership-winning squad and also represented Tonga internationally.
Known for his aggressive playing style, Fa’aoso’s career included multiple suspensions for high tackles and dangerous contact before a series of serious injuries, including concussions and a broken neck, brought his time in rugby league to an end.
Bare-knuckle fighting remains controversial in Australia and is not formally sanctioned as a professional combat sport.
Medical groups have previously criticised the activity, warning it carries serious risks of head trauma, while supporters argue it is safer than gloved boxing because fighters throw fewer punches.
