ABU DHABI – When the judges’ scores were announced by Bruce Buffer after Alexander Volkanovski’s featherweight title rematch with Max Holloway at UFC 251, one man in particular was left dismayed by the decision.
UFC president Dana White admitted after the event that he wasn’t impressed with the outcome of the night’s co-main event clash, which saw Volkanovski edge a split decision verdict to retain the 145-pound strap.
Holloway dropped Volkanovski in each of the first two rounds, but the Australian rallied in the championship rounds to leave an element of doubt when the scores were totaled.
But, based on his reaction when quizzed about the result at the post-fight press conference, White wasn’t in agreement with the two judges who scored the fight for Volkanovski.
“Listen, man, you can’t leave it to these guys,” he told reporters, including MMA Junkie, backstage at Flash Forum. “We’ve got some bad judging. Has Max been in here yet? I’m sure he’s devastated.”
When asked about the possibility of a third fight, even though Volkanovski has officially won both fights between the pair, White appeared to leave the door open.
“I dunno. Did anybody in here score it for Volkanovski?” he asked, to no response. “Nobody in the media? I don’t know. We’ll have to figure it out.”
White was also critical of referee Leon Roberts’ handling of the final moments of the Petr Yan vs. Jose Aldo fight.
“Horrible, horrible stoppage by the referee,” he stated. “Should have been stopped way sooner. We’ve gotta tighten up our refs and judges here on ‘Fight Island.'”
