UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou thinks something needs to be done about fighters handed controversial decision losses.
Following multiple controversial decisions at UFC on ESPN 27 this past Saturday, Ngannou (16-3 MMA, 11-2 UFC) expressed his concern over the judges’ scoring – and how it impacts fighters’ paychecks.
“It’s interesting how we see injustice done to the fighters by some judges, we talk about it, and then move on from it the next day, only to get pissed off again when it happens the next time.”
“The fighter has to go home unrewarded with all that frustration – and half of their money – for a job well done. Something needs to be done for these athletes getting robbed on the score cards. #justiceforfighters.”
The fighter has to go home unrewarded with all that frustration – and half of their money – for a job well done. Something needs to be done for these athletes getting robbed on the score cards. #justiceforfighters
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) July 26, 2021
Ngannou hasn’t really needed judges to determine the outcome of his fights throughout his career, but it’s also no secret that “The Predator” is currently not on the best of terms with the UFC, which may factor into his suggestion that “something needs to be done” to make financial amends in these situations.
Ngannou, who captured the UFC heavyweight title with a knockout of Stipe Miocic in March, was surprised with the promotion’s decision to have an interim title fight in August when his manager claimed that he was ready to defend his belt on Sept. 25. But UFC president Dana White said he wanted Ngannou to put his title on the line at UFC 265 on Aug. 7, and since he wasn’t ready, ended up booking Derrick Lewis vs. Ciryl Gane for the interim belt.
