As far as we can remember, there have been a number of controversial decisions in the UFC. Referees have stopped bouts prematurely or not soon enough. Fighters have performed unconventionally and changed our expectations of them in and out of the ring. But some of the strongest debate about controversial decisions for MMA enthusiasts surrounds those that have been handed down from the judges.
The omniscient group stands ready to offer their proper judgment of the performance should the fighters not accomplish this themselves. Like all decisions from authority, this doesn’t mean we have to agree, especially when the performance is superb or terribly lacking and when a place of prominence is on the line.
Or when we all think they’re wrong.
It’s for this reason that UFC president Dana White is known for his maxim “Don’t leave it in the hands of the judges.” Nevertheless, a number of fights go directly to the judges, but the opinions don’t stop there. Controversial decisions oftentimes throw the entire MMA community into disarray for a while after they were given. If the fight is for a title, these decisions can also weigh heavy on the respective division and land on the shoulders of both fighters until things are settled by whatever means.
Let’s take a look at seven of the most controversial decisions in championship fights handed down by the judges in the history of UFC.