One of the most unpredictable PPVs, UFC 282: Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev, went through a major shuffle, and because of some obvious reasons, Paddy Pimblett’s fight got elevated to co-main event status. Notably, the self-claimed new UFC cash cow, Paddy Pimblett, entered Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena on Dec 10, with the intention to strengthen his cause further. Fighting in on the last numbered event of the year 2022, the British fighter faced Jared Gordon on Saturday night. As expected, the lightweight fighter made his presence felt and further brought fireworks into the Octagon.
Notably, both fighters engaged in a back-and-forth fight where the British fighter scored a victory via judges’ scores. However, the decision attracted the flake of noted MMA fighters and fans alike from the controversial decision.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
How did the fans and MMA fighters react to the controversial decision?
Not only the fans but the MMA fighters also were disappointed and unable to wrap their heads around the judges’ decision.
UFC fighter Brian Kelleher wrote, “I’ve lost all faith in this sport”
I’ve lost all faith in this sport
— Brian BOOM Kelleher (@brianboom135) December 11, 2022
Former UFC champion Michael Bisping in a now-deleted tweet commented, “wrong”.
Similarly, Paul Felder announced, “Jared won. Give him the fight”
Jared won. Give him the fight
— Paul Felder (@felderpaul) December 11, 2022
Wow that was a clear robbery. Embarrassing judging
— Jake Shields (@jakeshieldsajj) December 11, 2022
judges fucking ruin the sport! #UFC282 pic.twitter.com/DTZkmyKDSx
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) December 11, 2022
told everyone from the beginning Paddy Pimblett is pure shit that was a robbery
— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) December 11, 2022
Bullshit decision! What does @VerdictMMA say?
— Funky (@Benaskren) December 11, 2022
Bruh?
You lost that fight 👊🏼— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) December 11, 2022
What happened in the fight at UFC 282?
As soon as the fight started, the audience chanted Pimblett’s name. Both the fighters gauged each other and Gordon assumed the aggressor’s role. Notably, the left hooks of American fighter worked wonders against ‘The Baddy’. Throughout the first round, Gordon’s left punch did substantial damage and followed it with a right-hand combo.
The Next Generation UK team representative’s attacks looked feeble, but his kicks remained a threat. While Pimblett pushed and used kicks from his arsenal, followed by high-body kicks, ‘Flash’ relied on the left-right combo. Both fighters exchanged blow after blow and Gordon had a remarkable round as he successfully took down Pimblett in the closing seconds of round 1.
Advised by his corner to watch Gordon’s left hook, Pimblett started the second round on a stronger note with right hooks and high-body leg kicks. However, the Sanford MMA team representative showed impeccable patience and waited for his chances, and landed effective shots.
However, after a brief period of a clinch, both the fighters again went back and forth as they exchanged punches, which remained the constant sight of their fight. Markedly, The Brit ended the second round with some violent hammers on the 34-year-old fighter.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Going 1-1 into round 3, Gordon again relied on grappling skills and controlled time with a lengthy clinch which evoked negative reactions from the crowd. With less than 2 minutes on the clock, Gordon again engaged in a grueling exchange. And completed a takedown and got his back, but the 19-3 record holder in a reversal got Gordon’s back but had not enough on the clock to work out the submission.
Watch This Story: Conor McGregor thug moments in UFC
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As the fight went to distance, judges declared 29-28 in favor of Paddy Pimblett.
What do you think of this bout? Let us know in the comments below.