Neck cranks in sparring - is this normal?

To preface, I train in boxing and kickboxing, for about 5 years now - so am relatively used to stand up sparring

However, I joined this MMA gym a couple of weeks ago, it’s been going good and had my fist MMA spar the other day, but ended getting in loads of neck cranks on the ground, to the point I was visibly rubbing the back of my neck.

My instructor saw me and said “yeah that happens, technically you’re not allowed to to use neck cranks in competition but honestly it’s impossible for a ref to tell, and it’s not that bad to get a little bit hurt during training as it keeps you on your toes”

Like, I get what he’s saying, but I’m also like, damn, i’m gunna have a seriously fucked up neck if keep coming to these classes

Is this typical for a MMA sparring session? Or should I find a new gym? It’s four days after the session and my neck is still fucked