The MMA community is scratching their head over the split decision result that came in for the main event at PFL 5. Gleison Tibau edged out Rory MacDonald on the scorecard that read 29-28, 28-29, and 29-28 in favor of Tibau. The commentary team couldn’t contain their surprise over the controversial decision the shocked the MMA community.
Chiefly, a case could be made for Tibau picking up the first round of the contest, however, many believe even that was a stretch. Rory MacDonald used a comprehensive plotting style to ensure that he let off a meaningful amount of offense throughout the contest.
Gleison Tibau defeated Rory MacDonald via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) at #2021PFL5
MacDonald already clinched his welterweight playoff spot earlier in the evening, while Tibau earned three points for the win, but ultimately fell short of the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/uXbgpbZtUO
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 18, 2021
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Due to McDonald’s game plan, many fans, fighters, and media members were inclined to give ‘The Red King’ all three rounds.
Twitter reacts to Rory McDonalds’ controversial defeat
Many Twitter users weren’t buying the fact that Gleison Tibau had done enough to warrant picking up the decision win. The judges who handed Tibau the victory were immediately pulled up for their decision. In fact, the general consensus was that Gleison Tibau’s victory over Rory Macdonald is by far the worst decision of the year.
30-27 MacDonald. That decision was mental #2021PFL5
— José Youngs (@JoseYoungs) June 18, 2021
30-27 Rory @MMADecisions
— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) June 18, 2021
I'd love to hear Cardo Urso and Dave Tirelli explain their scores here. Wouldn't that be something? #pflmma https://t.co/QF38zCyUYN
— SUNS IN 4 AL-SHATTI (@shaunalshatti) June 18, 2021
Crazy judge unbelievable 🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️ #pflmma
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) June 18, 2021
For real, I'm genuinely confused what just happened. Did they read the scorecards wrong? How the hell…? #pflmma
— SUNS IN 4 AL-SHATTI (@shaunalshatti) June 18, 2021
Turned on TV saw this fight between tibau and Rory McDonald, Rory was straight robbed
— Jeremy Stephens (@LiLHeathenMMA) June 18, 2021
If judges make decisions like this they should be banned permanently!
— Funky (@Benaskren) June 18, 2021
WTF!! HOW DAFUQ DID THOSE JUDGES SCORE IT FOR TIBAU?
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) June 18, 2021
Wow crazy judging
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) June 18, 2021
Chiefly, the distinction of giving out the worst decision of the year isn’t one that any commission will want to be attached to their name. However, it’s hard to deny that MacDonald didn’t do enough to walk away with the win.
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Despite the defeat, Rory Macdonald walks into the play-off as he secured a position earlier on in the night. In fact, had he won against Tibau, he would have become the top seed in the playoffs. Tibau will end up with three points, however, he has fallen short of making the playoffs despite his controversial victory.
The silver lining for Rory MacDonald: A decision win would have given him the top seed and a more difficult 1st round matchup against Magomed Magomedkerimov. Not to mention that he will be carrying a chip on his shoulder entering the playoffs.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) June 18, 2021
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Rory Macdonald will certainly come into his next contest with a renewed sense of focus. He’s close to the $1 million tournament prize and will be keen to leave no doubts in his next contest. He’s showcased in the past that he has what it takes to leave it all out in the cage. With the stakes being higher than ever, fans can expect to see Rory Macdonald dialed in.
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