Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
UFC bantamweight, and former WEC top contender, Takeya Mizugaki (15-7-2) suffered his second loss in the Octagon on Sunday in Japan (Saturday in North America), as part of the UFC 144: Edgar vs. Henderson event, losing to Chris Cariaso by unanimous decision.
The judges scored the bout in 29-28, 29-28, and 29-28 in favor of Cariaso which had many questioning the decision including UFC president Dana White.
On Twitter (@DanaWhite) Whit had this to say about the decision “Is it me or did Mizugaki just get screwed by the judges!?”
White would back up those words at the post-fight press conference, confirming that despite the loss Mizugaki would earn his win bonus.
The bout had Mizugaki in top position attempting to score points with his ground-and-pound, while Cariaso was busy working off his back with submission attempt after submission attempt.
It looked as if Mizugaki had scored the first two rounds, leaving Cariaso with nothing to do but go for broke in the third. But Mizugaki would again find control from the top position leaving many expecting a win for the Japanese fighter until the scores were read.
Cariaso has now won two in a row, coming off a split decision versus Vaughan Lee and a split decision loss to Michael McDonald.
Mizugaki is now 1-2, having beaten Cole Escovedo via TKO previously as well as dropping a decision to Brian Bowles before that.