A controversy marred UFC 291 amidst the action that took place in Salt Lake City, Utah. While the fans in the Delta Center hoped to witness fireworks due to the stacked card, they were left perplexed when a prelims fight with a flyweight fighter’s shenanigans was labeled as fake by Joe Rogan.
The fight between Jake Matthews and Darrius Flowers seized the headlines as it not only ended in a finish but also caused controversy in round 2. A low kick halted the action. While Flowers lay on the mat in pain, Rogan hotly debated whether it was a clean shot.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Notably, Matthews won the fight via submission in round 2. However, the controversy surrounding the low blow overshadowed his hard work.
What happened in the fight at UFC 291?
The first round proved to be carnage between the two, as both expressed the will to exchange blows in the middle of the ring. There were times when both fighters threatened to finish the fight. However, Flowers took the round as he successfully took down his opponent, and on the heels of added ground control time,
However, Matthews’ leg kicks caused trouble for Flowers. And a brutal low blow in the initial second round dropped Flowers to the mat. But Rogan and commentators protested that the impact was on the gut and argued the shot was clean. Further, Rogan explained, “I think I know,” as he repeatedly called it a clean shot. Following this, the crowd also acknowledged it as a fake shenanigan as they booed the hiatus in the play.
The referee stopped the action for a minute, and Matthews assumed the aggressor’s role and landed effective body blows. He also tested his opponent’s takedown and tried to catch Flowers in a kimura lock. Subsequently, he followed it with heavy blows, got his back, and made Flowers tap.
After Bruce Buffer announced the results and Matthews got his hand raised, the debate of the low kick dominated the post-fight interview.
How did the fans react to Rogan’s repeated insistence?
"If the referee says it was too low, it's too low." – Jake Matthews not taking Joe Rogan's sour grapes bait. #UFC291
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) July 30, 2023
That would still make your nuts feels like absolute shit, sorry Joe lol
— Tommy Toe Hold (@TommyToeHold) July 30, 2023
The heel was on the dick Joe Rogan
— Boogerbeard (@Boogerbeard1) July 30, 2023
Hmmmm #UFC291 pic.twitter.com/oNee0DxDSc
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) July 30, 2023
It's Joe trying to insert his WISDOM into a conversation ..#Joecango
— Thaidyerunner (@steveb135) July 30, 2023
Does he just not understand how the ball of the foot went straight to the cup? 🤣
— Gabe (@Gabe58404934) July 30, 2023
I thought it was still pretty low… giving him the benefit of the doubt
— DoYouEvenMMA (@DoYouEvenMMA) July 30, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Hit the body and the cup. I think Joe was overreacting
— Him Jong-un ☭ (@stankdiugh) July 30, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What do you make of this exciting fight at UFC 291? Let us know in the comments below.
Watch this story: Jorge Masvidal Wins the Race Against Mike Tyson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Triple H to Become Dwayne Johnson’s Successor at UFC 291 for the BMF Title