In rare cases, referee errors can result in a ‘no decision.’ Such an incident occurred today during the Daniel Lacerda vs. Édgar Cháirez match. Referee Chris Tognoni’s mistake led to the match being declared a ‘no decision.’ Despite uncertainty, Tognoni prematurely separated Chairez, causing visible confusion in the octagon and an early end to the fight.
The combat community was truly baffled by the referee’s blunder. People swarmed the internet to share their thoughts on this unfortunate incident, but it turned out that opinions were quite divided among everyone involved.
Controversial ending by referee leads to no decision in Édgar Cháirez vs. Daniel Lacerda
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The fight kicked off with Cháirez making a strong start, landing effective blows and low kicks, setting the tone for the highly anticipated match. In response, Lacerda unleashed a powerful leg kick, aiming to establish dominance in that department. Lacerda later tried a high kick and his signature spinning wheel kick, although the distance posed a challenge for accuracy. With 2 minutes and 45 seconds remaining in the round, Lacerda opted for a takedown, and while Cháirez sought an arm-bar, he couldn’t secure it but managed to stand up.
Upon replay review this bout’s been ruled a no decision #NocheUFC pic.twitter.com/6kqZ41Hz0m
— UFC (@ufc) September 17, 2023
Back on their feet, Cháirez reversed a clinch on the cage and went for a standing guillotine. Referee Chris Tognoni contemplated stepping in multiple times, creating tension. Ultimately, he prematurely intervened, separated the fighters, and the fight was ruled a no-decision after a review by ringside officials, leaving fans eager for a rematch in this unpredictable world of combat sports.
Official Result: Edgar Chairez vs. Daniel Lacerda ends in a No Decision (ref error), Round 1, 3:47.
Fans react to the faulty decision by the referee
As the decision was announced, fans, fighters, and even analysts voiced their diverse opinions. Fans took to the internet to express a mix of disappointment and support.
Ajlamain Sterling was disappointed by the outcome and agreed with Dominick Cruz, stating that this was a horrible mistake
Dom is right! You gotta know what you’re looking at! That’s a HUGE mistake! Everyone keeps saying giving a “thumbs up” helps, but there is no rule or benefit to doing that other than possibly losing defensive time needed to PROTECT yourself. This is a No Contest, EASY.#NocheUFC
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) September 17, 2023
One of the fans stated that the way the referee pulled them away looked a bit sketchy.
They are goin hard at this ref but his arm droppin like that did look a little sketchy, on that replay… idk 🤷🏻♂️ #UFCNoche
— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) September 17, 2023
Michael Bisping was one of the onlookers of the match and he inquired whether there was a limp arm or what.
Limp arm or what?
— michael (@bisping) September 17, 2023
Another fan was enraged by the decision and expressed that UFC should fire that referee.
Fire the man
— Fernando (@fervxvdo) September 17, 2023
Furthermore, another fan sided with the referee, stating that Chairez’s arm appeared limp, and he was not relaxing. They referred to it as a great call by the referee and a bad call by Daniel Cormier.
His arm went limp… he sure wasn’t relaxing great call by ref… bad call by Daniel Cormier pic.twitter.com/F1qR1tSLxx
— Slowpoke Rodriguez (Chubby Boxer) (@ChubbyTrevno) September 17, 2023
One of the fans again sided with the referee and called out Dmonic Cruz for insulting the referee.
dom cruz is going way too far insulting tognoni 😭😭😭😭 dudes arm went limp out of nowhere while in a choke
— Vovchanchyn In Versace (@cad_chamberlain) September 17, 2023
An individual expressed that Lacerda deserves the win. He emphasized that the referee should’ve known that Cháirez was not unconscious.
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This is a terrible call. My man deserves that win.
Arm goes limp, how else is the ref supposed to know he’s not unconscious?
— Nard (@bangbangbunny4) September 17, 2023
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Based on the reactions of fans and fighters, it’s evident that many believe the decision was flawed, and the referee’s intervention was unwarranted. However, amid the criticism, the referee has garnered some support, highlighting the divided opinion on the internet. What are your thoughts on the decision? Share them in the comments below.
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