British MMA fighter Brad Pickett's fairy tale ending spoiled by head kick

Not everyone gets a fairy tale ending in sport. Brad Pickett found out the hard way that sentiment applies even less as far as the Octagon is concerned.

The popular British MMA fighter was having his farewell bout against Marlon Vera in front of his hometown fans and for a while the script was going according to plan.

Pickett more than held his own in the opening two rounds and held the advantage heading into the last.

Yet the fairy tale only lasted for another three minutes and four seconds before Vera unleashed a thunderous left-footed kick that connected with Pickett’s face.

The Brit dropped straight to the canvas, and while he bounced back straight to his feet, Vera swooped in to finish the job.

Pickett was disappointed at not getting the victory but the crowd still gave him a winners send-off after rising to their feet and chanting his name.

He later thanked fans for their support on social media.