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UFC Vegas 102
The UFC’s return to the Apex was not as clean as expected with a few controversial moments to cover today! Ranging from a questionable split decision to poorly executed doctor stoppages, there was room for criticism. Regardless, let’s go over what was up until now, the most controversial event of 2025.
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Angela Hill defeats Ketlen Souza
- Split Decision (29-28,28-29,29-28)
It wouldn’t be an Angela Hill fight WITHOUT a controversial split decision. This was Hill’s 6th time in a Split Decision, yet only her FIRST Split Decision win. While many have vouched for Overkill in the past, many were quick to point out that her win over Ketlen Souza was far more controversial than some of her past split decision losses which should have gone her way.
Round 1 was UNANIMOUS for Angela Hill, as she looked like her vintage self, doing what she does best, pairing her combinations together perfectly and amping up the volume. She was able to out-land Souza by 13 strikes and even landed a takedown with 3 total minutes of control time. There was virtually no controversy when it came to scoring this round, with all three judges scoring a 10-9 for the savvy veteran.
Round 2 was when things got a bit more complex. Statistically, Hill outlanded Souza once more, this time by 10 strikes. Despite landing less, Souza landed at 50% efficiency, and was landing tougher, more damaging shots to Hill, which show-cased more visible damage on Hill’s face. Scoring dictates that damage should be analyzed first, which I believe was not done in this round, primarily because the strikes to the head were almost dead even.
Judges Mike Bell and repeated offender Sal D’Amato, both scored 10-9 for Hill, despite the more damaging shots coming from Souza. While I do understand the volume was on Hill’s side, you could sense the momentum switch towards the Brazilian.
Similarly to Round 1, Round 3 saw no controversy. A unanimous scoring round for the young Brazilian as she cleared 10-9 in ALL score-cards. Souza outlanded Hill by 7 strikes, including strikes to the head, and we did see Souza step her foot on the gas.
Ultimately, Hill won by Split-Decision. We’ve seen this in WMMA where control time and clinch grappling is given more credit than actual damage. Even Angela Hill herself, has been the victim of this before. Hill landed 16 strikes inside the clinch, which we know aren’t the most effective. In a close fight, based on modern UFC scoring, I would give the edge to Souza.
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Andre Petroski defeats Rodolfo Vieira
- Unanimous Decision (28-29,28-29,28-29)
When talking about all time show-downs between grapplers, we usually think of the wars between Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington. Let’s just say, this was a much more timid version of those fights. From the start, it was evident that Andre Petroski was the one more comfortable with striking, using more of his arsenal and volume. The numbers for successful strikes landed were razor close, with Petroski landing 13 and Rodolfo Vieira, 14. Vieira also failed 4 takedowns against Petroski, who attempted none, which added to the impression that the American was more in control. For this reason, Round 1 was unanimously scored for Petroski.
Round 2 saw Vieira out-land Petroski by 24 to 22 significant strikes, though again, nothing too absurd happened. Vieira attempted 3 takedowns, failed them all but managed to gather 27 seconds of clinch control time, which can matter in these rounds where the damage and volume are not the greatest. Judges unanimously scored this one for the Brazilian.
Round 3 was where most fans and viewers were in discussion. Striking numbers were dead even with 20 a piece. Striking numbers to the head saw a slight advantage to the Brazilian with him outlanding 12 to 11. Damage wise, it seemed both landed at a similar rate, however Vieira did attempt 4 takedowns and land one of them, which got him the minute of control time in this round.
The third round was once more a close round, however the wrestling could have tilted this to Rodolfo Vieira. Since damage was almost identical, the next logical step would be to calculate ground control.
Conclusively, if there was an argument to have more draws in MMA, this fight would serve as the PERFECT example.
Nazim Sadykhov defeats Ismael Bonfim
- Rd. 1 TKO (Doctor’s Stoppage)
A repeating culprit of questionable stoppages makes a return in this week’s report. Following a questionable stoppage in January between Roman Kopylov and Chris Curtis, Mark Smith made the judgement call to stop the fight between Nazim Sadykhov and Ismael Bonfim.
In a fight that seemed to be just getting started, Bonfim was working Sadykhov with a quick jab, and seemed to be getting better in the exchanges. It all rapidly changed when Sadykhov landed what was a beautiful question mark kick.
From that moment on, Bonfim’s vision was impaired, a bad cut to the chin and he was clearly on the bad end of a fight, however the round was over and this meant time to recompose. Lost in translation, Smith believes Bonfim had said he can no longer see and with that, the fight is stopped.
Bonfim protests and so does his corner, seemingly confused as to the decision to end the fight in what felt like a premature stoppage. Mark Smith voiced his decision, voiced his concerns and that was all she wrote.
Unfortunately, Mark Smith’s decision making was done too quick, with no analysis, no deep thought. In a state of anxiety, Mark Smith opted to get rid of a hard situation instead of thoroughly analysing it. Smith’s decision making has been an issue in the past, as pointed out by coach Nicksick, who prefers not to have Smith as the referee of his fights.
Decisions like this need to be carefully verified and double checked, and not based off instincts. In the future, it would be beneficial for all parties, if judges and referees had some sort of press conference to explain their overall thought process.
Thankfully, the Apex is behind us and we are now headed towards UFC Seattle, where surely we will have at least one thing to talk about in next week’s controversy report.
Want to know more about each event? Visit homeoffight.com or any of our social media accounts for more articles, fighter interviews, and plenty of more coverage. Enjoy the fights, let us know how you’ll be watching!
