“Give a Special Press Conference With Just Mike Bell”: NSAC’s Over the Top Measure Following Valentina Shevchenko’s Controversial Loss at UFC Noche Doesn’t Sit Right With Fans

Alexa Grasso retained her UFC flyweight title in a rematch against Valentina Shevchenko at Noche UFC in Las Vegas last Saturday. The fight witnessed both fighters trading blows and having their moments of impact. However, the judges declared the contest a split draw after five rounds, allowing Grasso to hold onto her championship. In the UFC, a champion cannot lose their title in the event of a draw.

The decision has stirred significant controversy within the MMA community. Shevchenko voiced her disagreement with the judges’ verdict during her post-fight interview and at the press conference that followed. In response to the controversy, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) announced a special training session for licensed judges to clarify the criteria for a 10-8 round. However, the fans aren’t sure if this is the solution to the issue at hand.

Fans had this to say about the judges decision for Valentina Shevchenko vs Alexa Grasso

A post shared by @haymakers on Instagram, citing a tweet by Ariel Helwani, revealed that the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) plans to conduct a special training session for all licensed judges. To provide clarity on what constitutes a 10-8 round.

The Grasso vs. Shevchenko bout presented challenges in scoring due to several instances where both fighters had significant moments. While the scorecards released after the fight showed both fighters winning multiple rounds, it was Judge Mike Bell who played a pivotal role in the decision to declare the match a split draw. He gave Grasso a 10-8 score for the 5th round, a decision that ultimately resulted in a final score of 47-47.

Fan reactions to this news were intriguing, and here’s how they responded to the training session announcement:

Some suggested hiring more competent judges.

Or just hire more competent judges. 💀

Every round was 10-9 with majority to Shevchenko. The 10-8 round baffled me

While others questioned the criteria for becoming a UFC judge and even proposed vision tests for them.

Can they hold some vision tests too cause some of these judges are f**kin blind

What’s the criteria to be a UFC Judge

Fans also think Shevchenko lost that fight even without the bad scores.

Even if it wasn’t a 10-8 she still lost that round and fight

Read More: What’s Next for Valentina Shevchenko After Fighting Alexa Grasso at Noche UFC? Will the 35-Year-Old Return to Her Previous Dominant Run?

Judge Mike Bell also came under fire.

Also give a special press conference with just Mike Bell to justify his decision 💀💀 Glad Grasso won but sad to see Shevchenko lose like that smh unfair

Some fans advocated for the UFC commentary team to take on judging responsibilities.

Honestly idk why the UFC commentary team don’t be the judges they see everything and call everything

Fans also emphasized the need for fighters to decisively beat the champion to secure the belt.

In my opinion with every other title fight is you gotta make SURE you beat the champ to get the belt. Don’t leave it up to the judge because the champ is usually the favorite

The consensus among fans is that the sport deserves a fair and reliable judging system, and they hope that the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s (NSAC) special training session for judges regarding 10-8 rounds will lead to improved standards.

Shevchenko makes a bold statement against the decision

The pivotal 5th round saw Shevchenko initially controlling the Octagon but making an ill-advised takedown attempt that allowed Grasso to seize her back. While Shevchenko managed to survive until the end of the round, the sequence mirrored their previous fight, where a similar mistake led to Grasso’s submission attempt.

Shevchenko was visibly upset when the decision was announced. In a post-fight interview, she said, “Unfortunately, I think this event because it’s Mexican Independence Day, that’s why it affected the decision of the judge to give 10-8 in the fifth round.” 

The outcome leaves the possibility of a trilogy fight in question, especially since Shevchenko revealed she had suffered a broken thumb in the first round. Her return to the octagon will depend on her recovery. And the division may have to move forward without her if she faces an extended hiatus.

In conclusion, the controversial split draw raises questions about the judging criteria and the impact of event-related factors on scoring. Do you think Shevchenko did enough to secure a win? And did the atmosphere influence the judge’s decision? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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