UFC`s recent event in Montreal, UFC 315 at the Bell Center, delivered an exciting night of fights and storylines. However, the event wasn`t without controversy, with one particular fight drawing significant criticism from fans and fighters alike.
While there were some negative reactions to Jack Della Maddalena’s victory in the main event, the main point of discussion centered around Aiemann Zahabi’s win over legendary fighter Jose Aldo. Aldo announced his retirement after this bout, marking his second consecutive loss by a contentious judges` decision. Many observers believed the former champion deserved to win and should hold a 3-0 record since returning to competition last year.
Dana White praised the refereeing and judging at The Korean Zombie’s new MMA promotion
Dana White, who frequently voices his opinions on judging and refereeing, recently praised the officiating he witnessed at a newer regional promotion`s second event.
Appearing on a recent episode of ‘Lookin’ For a Fight’ alongside Matt Serra and Din Thomas, Dana White watched Z Fight Night 2. This promotion is managed by former UFC fighter Chan Sung Jung, widely known as ‘The Korean Zombie’. White tuned into the event from Florida, having missed attending in person due to altered travel plans, showing his interest in the fighters featured on the December 14 card.
White was particularly interested in Dorobshokh Nabotov, who had previously called out the UFC president during a press conference last October to earn this opportunity.
Nabotov ultimately lost his fight against Matheus Camilo. White was notably impressed by the referee`s quick action in separating the fighters when Nabotov attempted to hold on late in the bout, commending the official`s proactive approach.
White exclaimed, “F—ing great job by the referee, our f—ing referees don’t do that.”
At the conclusion of the fight, White agreed with the unanimous decision in favor of Brazil’s Camilo, feeling he had inflicted more damage. Following the decision, White humorously suggested that the officiating quality in South Korea’s Z Fight Night might already surpass that typically seen in the UFC, stating, “How about their judging and refereeing might be better than f—ing ours.”
Daniel Cormier called another decision at UFC 315 ‘trash’
Besides the Aldo-Zahabi bout, another controversial decision occurred at UFC 315, although it received less public attention. On the preliminary card, Modestas Bukauskas defeated Ion Cutelaba via split decision, notable for the wildly differing scorecards submitted by the three judges.
Judge Pasquale Procopio scored the fight 30-27 for Bukauskas, while Jerin Valel had it 30-27 for Cutelaba. Sal D’Amato provided a more balanced card at 29-28 in favor of Bukauskas.
Reacting immediately on commentary, Daniel Cormier sharply criticized the decision, calling it ‘trash’. “That’s trash. That’s actually a very bad decision,” Cormier stated. He specifically questioned the 30-27 score for Bukauskas, adding, “30-27 for Bukauskas? I thought Cuțelaba lost round three, but that was the only round I thought he lost. I don’t understand how they are watching two different fights.”
