Bad judges steal the spotlight at UFC 251
Questionable and controversial judging has always been a part of Mixed Martial Arts. Saturday, at Fight Island, bad judging played a major role in the co-main event.
Former champion, Max Halloway, was looking to regain the title back against Alexander Volkanovski in their rematch. To media, fighters, and many fans it appeared as though Max did enough to reclaim his title.
Holloway opened up strong and won the first two rounds on all judges’ scorecards. Two judges gave the remaining three rounds to Volkanovski, with the third judge scoring the fifth round for Holloway. Volkanovki won via split decision.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
UFC President Dana White gave his thoughts on the results.
“Listen, man, you can’t leave it to these guys,” White said. “We’ve got some bad judging. We’ve got some bad judging and—I don’t know, has Max been in here yet? I’m sure he’s devastated.”
Did anybody in here score it for Volkanovski?” White asked. “Anybody have it for Volkanovski? Nobody in the media? I don’t know, we’ll have to figure it out.”
“Looks like we’ve got to tighten up our refs and judges here on ‘Fight Island,’” White said.
It was a close fight with many scoring the fight 3-2 for Hollaway. Many were calling the results a “robbery” on social media.
Holloway took to Twitter following his fight. Max urged followers to ease off media members who suggested he didn’t get “robbed.”
“Just landed in Vegas for another quarantine and was told some guys in the media are receiving threats for saying my fight was not a robbery. This is not ok. I appreciate everyone who wants to ride for me but that ain’t it.”
“Life isn’t fair. It’s even more unfair for many many other people in the world than it will ever be for me. People are unemployed right now with no end in sight and it’s not their fault.”
“It is what it was. Nothing changed for me as a fighter. We proved our point. I still have my five belts at home. I’m 28 and healthy. Blessed era continues. Bless yourself “
Max Holloway is now on a two-fight losing streak. He is no stranger to back-to-back losses. In 2013, he suffered defeats to Dennis Bermudez and Conor McGregor.
He will go back to the drawing board and strategize his route back to title contention.
