UFC San Antonio was a memorable event for many reasons. Unfortunately, some of those had to do with controversial scorecards and the judges. Just the night before the event, fight fans shared their disgust at a display of poor officiating at Fury FC. A clip of the same went viral on the internet and horrified the fans who feared for the athlete’s health in the aftermath. Despite these events, the same referee was on duty at UFC San Antonio.
Now, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou‘s coach, Eric Nicksick has come forward with a scathing set of words for the Texas Athletic Commission. The Xtreme Couture Head Coach and Gym Manager questioned the commission’s choices for the event, in light of the controversies.
The MMA world watched in shock as referee Frank Collazo failed to stop a fight at the right time at Fury FC 76. The event on March 24 saw Edgar Chairez face Gianni Vasquez. In the fourth round. Chairez choked out Vasquez via a triangle choke. However, Collazo did not call the fight. What’s worse, Chairez then transitioned to an armbar. Even after the damage was evident to all those watching, it took 20 long seconds before he stopped the fight. The incident drew harsh a reaction from UFC president Dana White as well.
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As the incident raged on, fans and pros severely criticized Collazo. To everyone’s surprise and shock, the same individual showed up at UFC San Antonio. Only this time, he was a judge.
Eric Nicksick calls out Texas AC for UFC San Antonio judges’ panel
Frank Collazo was one of the judges for the fight between Maycee Barber and Andrea Lee at UFC San Antonio. Many fans took offense to it once the information came to light during the event. In the aftermath of it, Eric Nicksick tweeted his disapproval of the athletic commission’s choice to go with Collazo.
In a tweet, he wrote, “Unbelievable to think that the Texas athletic commission thought it was a good idea to allow Frank Collazo anywhere near an MMA fight, especially after his negligence the night before as the referee for Fury FC.”
Unbelievable to think that the Texas athletic commission thought it was a good idea to allow Frank Collazo anywhere near an MMA fight, especially after his negligence the night before as the referee for Fury FC. 🤦🏼♂️ pic.twitter.com/aeSmHD1XF2
— Eric Nicksick (@Eric_XCMMA) March 26, 2023
One fan thought Nicksick was raising an issue with Collazo’s scorecard. He clarified the issue, saying, “You’re completely missing my point, the scorecard isn’t the issue. The fact that this man had any assignment MMA related after not stopping the fight, when it was clear a kid was unconscious and then went on to have his arm fractured the night before for Fury FC as the referee.”
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You’re completely missing my point, the scorecard isn’t the issue. The fact that this man had any assignment MMA related after not stopping the fight, when it was clear a kid was unconscious and then went on to have his arm fractured the night before for Fury FC as the referee.
— Eric Nicksick (@Eric_XCMMA) March 26, 2023
Several fans agreed with Nicksick in the comments. Many of them also shared their disgust at the poor officiating display from Collazo the night before.
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Watch This Story– Fighters react to UFC San Antonio
What are your thoughts on the issue? Do you agree with Nicksick? What message do you have for athletic commissions about their choice of judges and MMA judging? Let us know in the comments below.