Dana White, the head honcho of the UFC, recently had a major eruption of frustration over a judge’s controversial decision at Noche UFC. Even though he was on vacation, White couldn’t resist tuning in to Saturday’s main event, which showcased an electrifying rematch between UFC flyweight champion Alexa Grasso and former champ Valentina Shevchenko. While the fight itself was a contender for the best of 2023, it became embroiled in controversy due to judge Mike Bell’s inexplicable scoring of a 10-8 round in favor of Grasso during the fifth round. This single scorecard ultimately resulted in a split draw, allowing Grasso to hold onto her title.
White’s reaction to this turn of events was nothing short of explosive. He exclaimed, “When I found out that one of the judges scored 10-8, I’m like, this guy should be investigated for this. This is the craziest stuff I’ve ever seen in my life.”
He went on to emphasize the gravity of such scoring errors, especially in title fights. These bouts carry more than just financial stakes; they involve prestige, championships, and legacies. White stressed that only the best judges should officiate in title fights, and the scoring should reflect the true nature of the match. He added that the Nevada Athletic Commission was planning a seminar on 10-8 rounds, hoping to clarify this issue.
White’s discontent is not isolated; the MMA community at large has criticized Bell’s perplexing 10-8 scorecard since Noche UFC. Even seasoned commentators Daniel Cormier and Dominick Cruz expressed their bewilderment and disgust during the broadcast.
Despite the outcry, White remains in the dark about the reasoning behind Bell’s controversial decision, as judges are typically shielded by state athletic commissions. White lamented the inconsistency in judging, citing an instance where Valentina Shevchenko was dropped in Round 2 but it wasn’t considered a 10-8 round. He emphasized that a 10-8 round should signify an absolute one-sided domination, which was clearly absent in this case.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Noche UFC has prompted Dana White to announce an immediate trilogy fight between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko. He expressed confidence in Shevchenko’s recovery from a thumb injury and hinted at a No. 1 contender bout between Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot. White firmly believes that the rematch is the right course of action, and he’s determined to see it happen, regardless of the controversy that marred their previous encounter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UFC Controversy
Q: What was the controversy at Noche UFC that Dana White reacted to?
A: The controversy at Noche UFC revolved around judge Mike Bell’s decision to score a 10-8 round in favor of Alexa Grasso during her rematch against Valentina Shevchenko. This scorecard ultimately led to a split draw, allowing Grasso to retain her UFC flyweight championship.
Q: Why did Dana White find this scoring decision so infuriating?
A: Dana White was deeply frustrated because he believed that the 10-8 score for Grasso in the fifth round was inexplicable and unjustified. He argued that such scoring errors have significant implications, especially in title fights, as they can impact not only finances but also a fighter’s legacy and the prestige of the championship.
Q: Did Dana White receive support for his criticism of the judge’s decision?
A: Yes, Dana White was not alone in his criticism. The MMA community, including commentators like Daniel Cormier and Dominick Cruz, expressed their bewilderment and disagreement with judge Mike Bell’s scorecard. The controversial decision garnered widespread disapproval in the days following the event.
Q: What action does Dana White plan to take following this controversy?
A: Dana White announced his intention to organize an immediate trilogy fight between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko. He expressed confidence in Shevchenko’s recovery from a thumb injury and suggested that a bout between Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot could determine the No. 1 contender in the division. White firmly believes that the rematch is necessary and intends to make it happen, despite the controversy surrounding their previous encounter.
More about UFC Controversy
- Dana White reacts to controversial UFC judging
- Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko rematch at Noche UFC
- Mike Bell’s controversial 10-8 scoring
- MMA community’s criticism of the judge’s decision
- Dana White’s plans for a Grasso vs. Shevchenko trilogy
