UFC Nashville: Controversy Report

UFC Nashville: Controversy Report

After one week without any UFC fights, fans almost forgot about the possible controversies that happen in these bouts. Unfortunately, it didn’t take much for us to be reminded of how fragile judging and referring can be at times. During this event, we had a few controversial fights, those of which we will go over today. 

Chris Curtis defeats Max Griffin

• Split Decision (29-28 x3)

A combined 9 Split Decisions in their record between Max Griffin and Chris Curtis had fans in anticipation of a closer fight, and that was exactly what we got. Close rounds, with not a ton of volume at times, and as the fight clock wore down, we were certain the decision would be close. 

The first round was unanimous across all three scorecards. Curtis dictated the pressure and pace, though got simply out-struck. Griffin landing 21 strikes compared to Curtis’ 8 strikes. While a close fight, there can’t be much debate on Griffin’s win here, winning on basic yet efficient volume. 

The second round we saw Curtis increase the output. He landed 21 strikes compared to Griffin’s 17 strikes. While close, Curtis controlled the momentum, the pressure, while landing more. Again, not a ton of debate here. While close, a clear round for Curtis. It all gets a bit foggier in the third round, the sole round that wasn’t unanimous. 

Statistics showed Curtis outlanding Griffin 35 to 21. While Griffin landed a few tough and accurate punches on Curtis, a lot of them landed on the philly shell of the Actionman. The tougher shots perhaps gave the idea of a closer round, though for me, there was no debate. Based on the raw volume, this was correctly scored for Chris Curtis. While a close bout, not necessarily a hard bout to score.

Gabriel Bonfim defeats Stephen Thompson

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

Many anticipated an easier, swift win for the up and coming prospect Gabriel Bonfim, over seasoned veteran Stephen Thompson. In reality, it was a completely different story. Wonderboy held his own, fought through a gruesome cut to his ankle, while displaying his elite striking. Bonfim got his taste of ranked opposition, and managed to get his hand raised. It was a close bout, but let’s break it down round by round. 

Round 1 was a unanimous victory for Gabriel Bonfim. Bonfim got the takedown early in the round, secured a back take, which he eventually lost, though gathered over a minute of control time. On the feet, Bonfim held his own, hurting Wonderboy and outlanding him 14 to 6. No question here. We expected a quicker start from Bonfim and he got it. 

The second round, it all got more interesting. Wonderboy won this round unanimously on all score-cards. He outlanded Bonfim 29 to 16. Moreover, he was able to defend 4 takedowns from the Brazilian, suffering only one and giving up only one minute of control time. While Bonfim did in fact land good shots, Wonderboy did close the round strong, landing a beautiful headkick that wobbled the Brazilian. Undeniably a Wonderboy round, heading into the third round tied one a piece. 

As was the case between Curtis and Griffin, the third round was where it all went south. Bonfim clearly wished not to engage in the striking and wished to control Wonderboy. If we look at the statistics, he did in fact outland Wonderboy 10-7. Not only that, but he also added almost 3 minutes of control time. The striking numbers, while advantageous for Bonfim, were close. Additionally, the  control time serves as a tie-breaker if the damage is similar. Wonderboy did in fact land some justifiable shots on Bonfim that could perhaps sway the judges, though it is quite hard to justify it when the stats all favor Bonfim in this case, considering similar damage and more control time. 

A reason for frustration is rooted that Wonderboy wanted to strike, while Bonfim was content winning on the basis of control. I do agree that this type of behavior can be seen sometimes as unsportsmanlike, but while the rules allow it, judges will have to be forced to judge based on the way the ruleset dictates. Unfortunately, Bonfim was the correct winner here, despite losing some fans along the way. If there’s a lesson to be learned here, is that commissions should adopt a scoring system that punishes this sort of “anti-fighting” behavior. 

Derrick Lewis defeats Tallison Teixeira

• Rd. 1 TKO (Punches)

There really is nothing better than a 35 second Derrick Lewis KO. We all love the theatrics, the pants coming off and of course, the beautiful and poetic post fight interview. One thing we DID NOT like was Jason Herzog’s conduct during the stoppage. 

The start of the final exchange had no secret. Lewis played possum and did what he has done before, luring his victim into a flawless bomb, sending Tallison Teixeira against the fence and to the canvas. Lewis followed up, while the Brazilian attempted to quite literally climb up, grabbing the fence. Once he was fully back up, Herzog called the fight, declaring it a KO win for the Black Beast. 

The issue with this entire situation was that Teixeira was recovered from the knockdown. Perhaps he was not fully uncompromised, though he was apt to continue the fight. Would he have survived if he didn’t grab the cage? There’s a huge chance he wouldn’t. The correct conduct here would have been to interrupt the fight after Teixeira managed to make his way back up, and quickly remove a point, or even two. Due to the gravity of the fence grab, the two point deduction would have been justifiable. Even if the fight went to Round 2, there’s a chance we’d see a 10-6 round for Lewis. 

In essence, the ending of this fight felt rushed. I do believe that the ending would have been the same. Derrick Lewis would, most likely, find another big shot on Teixeira. Regardless, it would have been much better to see it fully unfold. 

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