
via Getty
NEWARK, NJ – MAY 04: Dana White speaks to the press and the fans at the UFC 288 media day on May 4, 2023, at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

via Getty
NEWARK, NJ – MAY 04: Dana White speaks to the press and the fans at the UFC 288 media day on May 4, 2023, at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The aftermath of the UFC Vegas 88 clash between Christian Rodriguez and Isaac Dulgarian has left the fanbase questioning the result. Dulgarian, known as ‘The Midwest Choppa’, entered the Octagon for this fight with an undefeated record. The fight was marked by Dulgarian showing off his wrestling skills and claiming the first round as his own. While the second round saw Rodriguez attempt to rally back with an improved defense, it was the third round that may have swayed the judge’s decision.
‘The Midwest Choppa’ showcased his wrestling background as a collegiate athlete in the sport in the first round as Rodriguez was unable to stop his takedowns. Although unable to find a submission, he rained down some punishing ground strikes on his opponent which left Rodriguez battered going into the second round.
Christian Rodriguez vs. Isaac Dulgarian scorecards. 👀
Thoughts? 🤔 #UFCVegas88 pic.twitter.com/eKTCEJH72e
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) March 17, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, Dulgarian became visibly fatigued in the later rounds and this led to Rodriguez finding himself gathering momentum during the third round. While it appeared that he was close to securing a late finish, Dulgarian managed to close out the show, and the fight was left up to the judges’ scorecards.
But the results announced Rodriguez as the winner of the fight via split decision. As a result, the fans flooded the comment section to make their thoughts known about the result. Many even exclaimed that UFC CEO Dana White has to do something to address the judge’s scorecards for closely contested fights. Here’s a look at what the fans had to say about it.
Fans left fuming at the UFC and Dana White for judging at UFC Vegas 88
One fan bluntly put forth the idea that the judges need to be held accountable for their decisions by Dana White
@danawhite you need to fire them 2 judges
— tlueker6 (@t_lueker) March 17, 2024
Some even called for increased scrutiny of the officials and demanded an “investigation”
These guys need to be investigated
— Dave (@Davemarrk) March 17, 2024
Others claimed that they thought Dulgarian may have lost the third round but could have been declared the winner too with his performance
Isaac lost third round but I thought it was Isaac or potentially a draw
— 🔪 (@OBoyleek) March 17, 2024
Questions were also raised by the fans about how Rodriguez was scored as a winner of the second round despite his performance:
How on earth did 2 judges give Rodriguez round 2😂
— Zach Laney (@iZLaney) March 17, 2024
Fans also were perplexed at the “professional judges” handing Rodriguez the win despite the fight being largely controlled by Dulgarian:
Dulgarian had a 10-8 first round on all 3 cards yet still lost 😂😂 thats wild. How 2 professional judges can score that 2nd round for Rodriguez is embarrassing. He was controlled the entire round.
— Chris (@SportsF4natic55) March 17, 2024
But others also claimed that Dulgarian’s control time didn’t lead to any meaningful developments in the fight in their opinion, highlighting another perspective on the result:
Agree, isaac didn’t do anything with the control time.
— player_one (@Amatuer_Gambler) March 17, 2024
While some fans even claimed that they should be given an opportunity to judge the UFC fights as they believed they can perform better:
How do I apply to be ufc judge would do better for the sport
— D (@dzmzmy) March 17, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Fans also made a bold statement about the judging for this fight being the “worst” they have ever witnessed:
Worst decision in the history of combat sports.
— Dan’s Picks (@danspickz) March 17, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Amidst the controversy, opinions varied, with some acknowledging Dulgarian’s potential victory despite losing the third round. Nevertheless, the aftermath of this fight underscores the ongoing debate surrounding judging criteria in closely contested matches and the need for transparency in the scoring process.
Read More: Dana White Has “No Respect for Any Human Being”, Says MMA Legend Who Refused to Sign With the UFC
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT