Controversy Report: UFC Vegas 105

UFC Vegas 105: Controversy Report

As you read this article, there’s a sizable chance you got here because of the Tony Weeks master-class scorecard this weekend, and surely, we will talk about it.

UFC Vegas 105 was a classic Apex experience that wouldn’t be complete without some unfortunate controversy sprinkled in.

Loma Lookboonmee defeats Istela Nunes

• Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28,29-28)

The moment this fight began, it was evident we were in for a close one. Round 1 saw Loma Lookboonmee get the nod in all three score-cards. When we look at statistics, Istella Nunes outstruck Loma by 7 strikes, at an efficiency of 58% when compared to 31% on the side of Loma. Not only that, Istela gathered one minute of control time, getting her the nod in that aspect too. For me, it was a clear round for Istella, despite it being close. All attributes pointed to her winning this round. 

Round 2, Judge Eric Colon was the sole referee to award this round to Loma Lookboonmee. This was again a close round, both on optics and on statistics. Loma landed at a 62% accuracy, and landed 3 more strikes than Nunes, though 5 more to the head. Loma also landed a takedown this round, though Istela had roughly 40 seconds more of control time. Again, a close round, though two judges awarded this to Istella, while I believed this was a close yet clear round for Loma. 

As we head into Round 3, neither lady could be too confident they were up ahead, as the scores could be realistically 1-1 or 2-0 either way. Round 3 saw the exact same number of significant strikes, though with almost 4 minutes of control time, Loma Lookboonme won the round unanimously, and I’d agree with this judgment. 

When the score-cards were being read out, I must admit the 30-27 caught me off guard. I believed the first two rounds were close, but neither lady deserved all three rounds in my eyes. Regardless, Loma correctly won, though I’d had it 29-28, with Round 2 and Round 3 being awarded to her. 

Torrez Finney defeats Robert Valentin

• Split Decision (29-28, 29-28-27-30) 

Torrez Finney needed three bouts to get him a UFC contract through the Contender Series and we saw why in his UFC Debut. 4 total Significant Strikes through the entire fight had UFC fans all over the world cringing. While the takedowns came at will, the sheer lack of combat and aggression was a frustrating watch. 

Robert Valentin’s aggression was hindered for significant moments of the fight and in a damage based sport, he didn’t need much to have his hand raised. Let’s take a look at how each round was scored. 

Round 1 was awarded a 10-9 for Finney by Judges Cartlidge and Kamijo with judge Tony Weeks being the brave warrior awarding it for Valentin. If we look at the stats, Valentin landed 6 significant strikes to a whopping ZERO from Torrez. The American fighter landed 5 takedowns, yet showcased ZERO efficiency with it. In a damage based scoring, this is a Valentin round. Takedowns themselves don’t grant a fighter a victory. What truly is crucial is how that fighter utilizes those takedowns. In essence, if there is zero threat on 4 minutes of control time and the other fighter lands a few elbows in the clinch, that is more than enough for him to win the round. 

The second round saw Torrez Finney land all his significant strikes of the fight. A whopping 4 minutes of strikes and 4 minutes of control time granted him the round, only because Valentin was unable to find separation and only landed three. Again, the two same judges awarded this for Finney while Tony Weeks, once more, sided with Valentin. For the first round, I’d have to agree with the judgment, and while I’m not particularly upset, I can’t agree with this particular round. I do wish this were the referee scoring some recent title fights, in all honesty. 

The third round was the only unanimous round. All three judges gave the edge for Valentin. Referee Mike Beltran had three separations and Valentin outstruck Finney 14-0. This was a statistical dominant round for Valentin that held his opponent in two separate rounds, to zero significant strikes landed. Valetin looked for knees, elbows and a series of attacks up the middle in order to win the round, and show that he truly wanted the win. 

Ultimately, Finney won 29-28 which I would disagree with, having this a 29-28 for the Swiss powerhouse. In a damage based combat sport, we need to see damage based combat from the victor. Fortunately, this isn’t a sport based on who can defend themselves the best or control another fighter, because controlling someone isn’t combat. Controlling someone is merely a tool to create and advance position into actual fight ending positions. 

As for Tony Weeks, a massive applause and congratulations for the brave attitude of awarding Valentin a 30-27. Only one fighter showed up to fight and it wasn’t Torrez Finney. Weeks, a former boxing referee, perhaps has a softer spot for the striking arts, however perhaps this scoring could serve as a message for fighters that look to control rather than fight. 

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