In recent times, it’s turn into fairly clear that the standard of judging within the UFC has been on a downhill slide. Increasingly typically, we’re seeing fighters who clearly received their bouts being, ‘robbed’ (although the phrase is usually overused by MMA followers). Final night time at UFC 310, the ultimate pay-per-view occasion of 2024, we one other instance of questionable judging
One of many first controversies occurred throughout the prelims. Brian Battle was up towards one other high 15 welterweight contender, Randy Brown. After an excellent opening spherical from Randy Brown (which he clearly received), Brian Battle got here again sturdy within the second spherical, making it one-to-one. The third spherical went again to Randy Brown, who re-found his vary, peppering Battle along with his snapping jab, discovering his teeps and avoiding the takedown. It was apparent to the pundits, commentators, and followers alike that Randy Brown ought to have come away with the choice. Nonetheless, Brian Battle was awarded the win, resulting in boos from the gang. Battle responded with the well-known query, “Who’re you booing?” – paying homage to his victory over Kevin Jousset in France. He was so distracted that Rogan needed to inform him “By no means thoughts them.”
Later within the night time, we witnessed what might need been the largest theft of the cardboard. Ciryl Gane was awarded the choice over Alexander Volkov. Even the commentators at cage aspect believed Volkov ought to have gotten the win. It was telling that Ciryl Gane’s nook wasn’t even celebrating at first, virtually as in the event that they anticipated Volkov to be awarded the win. Gane himself walked out of the cage and needed to be known as again in, and when requested why he answered, “he wasn’t blissful along with his efficiency”, hinting that he too thought he misplaced the combat and was shocked by the choice.
There was additionally some discontent on-line concerning the Evloev/Sterling combat, and although it was shut, I do imagine that call was right, regardless of what many on-line are saying. Henry Cejudo was one notable critic of the choice, saying “Aljo managed extra of the time. He will get the nod for me”.
Both manner, improper choices can have a huge effect on a fighter’s profession. If Volkov had received, he would’ve been in line to combat the winner of Jon Jones versus Tom Aspinall (if and when that ultimately occurs). Now, with a loss, he’s again into competition, seemingly having to combat another person to work his manner again to a possible title shot.
These varieties of choices should be corrected or not less than investigated. No matter is happening with UFC judging is inflicting a whole lot of debates. For instance, some imagine Ciryl Gane vs. Tom Aspinall is extra marketable, and that’s why sure fighters may get the sting in choices. Different occasions it might be as a result of the organisation desires to guard a fighter’s undefeated document. While these sorts of feedback are working rampant on-line, what we don’t need is the UFC turning into boxing, the place questionable choices are extra frequent. Dana White was fast to dismiss the investigation of the questionable h=judging within the post-fight press convention. Although he disagreed with each the Battle and Gane choices, he mentioned “It doesn’t matter what he thinks or what you or I believe, the one factor that issues is what the fee thinks.”
It would actually matter to Alexander Volkov and Randy Brown, however they received’t be the final to be affected by this. Let’s hope we’ll have higher judging in 2025, however I received’t get my hopes up…
