The co-main event for UFC Vegas 32 delivered some ‘on the edge of your seat’ action right from the opening bell. UFC bantamweights Kyler Phillips and Raulian Paiva went to war across three rounds and could be walking away with Fight of the Night accolades. Not to mention, the result of the contest is also being called into question making things more interesting.
Raulian Paiva came in as a sizeable underdog against top prospect Phillips, however, he left the cage with the win. Chiefly, Paiva won the fight by majority decision with the scorecards set as 29-28, 29-29, and 28-28. Both men gave it their all and left everything they had to give under the bright lights of the cage.
29-28
29-28
28-28Raulian Paiva does enough to score a majority decision victory at #UFCVegas32 👏 pic.twitter.com/eOQ3WDDHRN
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) July 25, 2021
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The story of the fight
Kyler Phillips started off strong and severely out landed Paiva 40-15 in terms of strikes landed. In fact, he came close to finishing the Brazilian at the end of the round and some fans believe it should have been a 10-8 round. However, Raulian Paiva managed to survive and began plotting his comeback on his fatigued opponent.
Kyler Phillips was visibly tired after his first-round output and Raulian Paiva began landing heavily on the feet. He maintained the same effort through the final round and also secured some top control over the grappler in Phillips. However, as the fight went to the scorecards, the general belief was that Kyler Phillips was dominant enough to win round one.
Incredible fight!!!!
— michael (@bisping) July 25, 2021
I think the best decision was a draw. 10-8. And then Paiva for RDs 2&3. He rallied. RD 2 was tight tho. https://t.co/Y0UZ5EgtF3
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) July 25, 2021
Paiva pulls off the upset
The MMA world had plenty to say when scorecards were being readout. The judges were criticized throughout the night and their decision to hand Paiva the victory was no different. The only decision which received more pushback was Maycee Barber vs Miranda Maverick earlier in the night.
Wow. Big upset as Raulian Paiva defeats Kyler Phillips via majority decision. He was a +260 underdog. Wow. #UFCVegas32
— Adam Martin (@MMAdamMartin) July 25, 2021
We need to fix the judging system. I'm tired of seeing fighters go home with half their money because Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder got it wrong. #ufc
— Din Thomas (@DinThomas) July 25, 2021
I told ya. You don’t know how the judges will score that first RD. Should’ve been a 10-8, but you just never know anymore. Wild fight. Both men brought it. Paige super durable and game, Phillips super slick but that movement style is exhausting. This division man!! 🔥🔥🔥
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) July 25, 2021
Crazy fight. Crazier decision.
— Kai Kamaka III (@kaiboikamaka) July 25, 2021
Judges man…
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) July 25, 2021
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The judging after UFC Vegas 32 will certainly be called into question and will be discussed going forward. However, Raulian Paiva will take the win over Phillips to the bank and stake his claim as a contender.
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