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CHICAGO – It wasn’t the way Robert Watley wanted to claim a victory, but hey, a win’s a win.

That’s the mentality Watley (11-1) had to take following a bizarre win over longtime UFC fighter and fellow lightweight Thiago Taveres (22-8-1) at today’s PFL 2 event.

The preliminary-card bout, which streamed on Facebook prior to the NSBCN-televised main card at Chicago Theatre, was halted early in the second round after Tavares took a painful blow to the groin. The seven-time UFC fight-night bonus winner tried to get his feet on multiple occasions – only to collapse back to the canvas in pain (via Twitter):

Because the blow was deemed accidental – and because Tavares couldn’t continue in the allotted five-minute recovery period – Watley was declared the victor via bizarre TKO.

“I have to really apologize to Thiago,” Watley told MMAjunkie after the fight. “We hugged it out. He was like, ‘You know, it happens. It’s part of the fight game.’ We just kind of hugged and embraced. Now I have another fight to prepare for. …

“I was worried for a second that I was going to get a DQ and no points at all, but (referee) Keith Peterson said he was going to rule it accidental.”

However, Watley now gets a crucial five points – which could go a long way toward getting a berth in PFL’s “postseason” lightweight tournament, which has a $1 million prize.

Watley admitted he figured the fight was over as soon as the accidental shot landed. After all, he knew it landed flush.

“I still feel it on the outside of my shin,” he said. “I know I either connected on another bone of his, or I hit the cup.”

Check out the full interview above.

And for more on PFL 2, check out the MMA Events section of the site.