After Dana White Blasted Mike Bell for 10–8 Scoring, CSAC Draw the Spotlight Toward Judges and Referees After Massive Public Uproar Caused by UFC CEO

A win or loss in combat sports is quite significant. Even if the fight is not for a title or has any significant consequences or corollaries. This is because every time a fighter enters the squared circle, it is “their Superbowl” to quote former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley.

This is why judging and refereeing is so important to all combat sports. It is not uncommon to see a fighter lose in the eyes of the fans, analysts, and even commentators, but win on the scorecard. Paddy Pimblett‘s victory over Jared Gordon last December is a case in point. And the same goes for refereeing. UFC fans will be aware of the recent controversy over Aljamain Sterling vs. Sean O’Malley allegedly being stopped early that cropped up after their recent title bout. It is in this context that the California State Athletic Commission’s (CSAC) recent steps to promote transparency in judging and refereeing are being appreciated by the MMA world.

CSAC takes steps to promote transparency in judging and refereeing

Athletic Commissions are responsible for hiring the referees and judges for any fights held in their jurisdiction. The California State Athletic Commission recently created history by allowing the news outlet MMA Junkie to be present at the post-fight event debriefing following Bellator 290. There their correspondent was allowed to ask the judges and referees questions regarding their decisions.

This, however, is in stark contrast to the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), the most significant commission in the country as more fights are held in that state than any other. The NSAC frowns upon any public statements by judges and referees on their decision, which some have argued hurts the credibility of the officials and the sport.

Dana White fumes at judge for Shevchenko-Grasso decision

Alexa Grasso retained her UFC featherweight title at UFC Noche last month after a draw against Valentina Shevchenko. This was possible because Judge Mike Bell scored the last round 10-8 in favor of Grasso. This outraged Dana White, who blasted the judge after the fight and asked he be investigated.

Read More: Who Is MMA Judge Mike Bell? What Was the Controversial Decision He Made at UFC Noche: Valentina Shevchenko vs. Alexa Grasso?

“When I found out that one of the judges scored 10-8, I’m like, this guy should be f****** investigated for this. This is the craziest s*** I’ve ever seen in my life,” White said on the decision. “You have to have the best of the best in title fights. So they’ve assured me that this guy isn’t a bad guy, he just f***** up and made a mistake, and it’s unfortunate, and there’s no way in hell that was a 10-8 round,” he added.

What do you think about CSAC’s decision? Let us know in the comments section below.

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