Joe Rogan has become a vocal critic of the UFC’s judging standards, sparking debate throughout the MMA community. Following a highly controversial judging decision at UFC 308, where Carlos Leal appeared to dominate his fight against Rinat Fakhretdinov but lost on the scorecards, Rogan questioned the credibility of the promotion’s officiating. His comments resonate widely with fans and fighters alike who are increasingly concerned with UFC judging inconsistencies.
Joe Rogan’s Criticism of UFC 308 Judging Draws Massive Support
During his Joe Rogan Experience (JRE) Fight Companion podcast for UFC 308, Rogan voiced frustration about what he sees as flawed judging practices. He remarked, “We’ve had some decisions that were f—ing [sketchy]. I think they bring the same judges everywhere [but] I don’t know.” Rogan suggested that the consistent use of specific judges could contribute to these perceived biases, leading to controversial decisions like the Leal-Fakhretdinov fight.
Editorial Guidelines & Fact Checking: At The Viral Pink, we uphold stringent Editorial Guidelines to deliver accurate, reliable, and high-quality content. Our dedicated team of expert contributors rigorously fact-checks all information using credible sources before publication. We strive for transparency, accountability, and up-to-date content, ensuring our readers receive trustworthy information they can rely on.
Carlos Leal’s Reaction: “I Was Robbed”
Carlos Leal, a rising star in the MMA world, also believes the judges wronged him. Leal told Verdict MMA that he felt “certain” he won the fight until the moment the referee raised Fakhretdinov’s hand. Verdict MMA’s scoring revealed that Leal scored 29.09, outperforming Fakhretdinov’s 27.96, indicating that many observers also believed Leal was the true victor. This sentiment only intensified when the three judges—David Lethaby, Hadi Mohamad Ali, and Mike Bell—all ruled in favor of Fakhretdinov.
Judging Standards in MMA: Rogan’s Take on Flawed Officiating
Reflecting on the broader problem, Rogan commented, “I don’t know what the rules are… But I think the judges for the most part are the same judges… I think some of them are good judges. But every now and then you get a decision where you’re like whoever the f—k thought the fight went that way really shouldn’t be doing this on a professional level.” Rogan’s critique highlights a systemic issue where, despite standardized rules, subjective decisions cause dissatisfaction among fighters and fans.
Fakhretdinov Defends His Victory
While Rogan and Leal voiced concerns over biased judging, Fakhretdinov remained undeterred, staunchly defending the judges’ decision. Addressing his critics, Fakhretdinov stated, “Why were they surprised with the decision? Really bad commentators. The first round was pretty close. It could’ve gone either way. I didn’t have any doubt the second or third round was mine.” This remark only fueled tensions within the community, as many felt that his victory was undeserved.
Widespread Outcry Over Controversial UFC Judging Decisions
In the wake of UFC 308, frustration with judging controversies reached a boiling point among fans and analysts. This controversy marks only the latest in a string of contested decisions in the UFC, further spotlighting issues with the promotion’s judging consistency and transparency. In addition to Leal’s fight, the Magomed Ankalaev bout was similarly controversial, prompting Rogan to question the “lowering standards” in UFC judging. Fans have called for Dana White to consider much-needed changes to improve judging quality.
Joe Rogan’s Verdict on Abu Dhabi Judging: A Growing Debate
Rogan’s critiques echo growing dissatisfaction among the MMA community, where questionable judging has led some to question the integrity of the sport. In a fast-paced and competitive environment like the UFC, even small judging errors can drastically alter fighters’ careers. With Rogan’s comments gaining traction, the demand for change may pressure the UFC to take action, introducing stricter judging standards or rotating judges more frequently to ensure impartiality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What did Joe Rogan say about UFC judging at UFC 308?
Joe Rogan criticized the UFC’s judging standards on his podcast, calling some recent decisions “sketchy” and suggesting that some judges may not be fit for professional judging.
2. Who were the judges for the controversial Leal vs. Fakhretdinov fight?
The judges were David Lethaby, Hadi Mohamad Ali, and Mike Bell, who ruled unanimously in favor of Fakhretdinov.
3. Has the UFC addressed concerns about judging biases?
As of now, the UFC has not officially addressed specific judging concerns related to UFC 308. However, community pressure may prompt the organization to evaluate its judging practices.
4. Was Carlos Leal’s performance better than Rinat Fakhretdinov’s?
Based on Verdict MMA’s score and fan reactions, many believe Leal outperformed Fakhretdinov despite the official decision.
5. What could change in UFC judging after UFC 308?
Following the backlash, fans are urging the UFC to rotate judges more frequently or improve judging standards to ensure more consistent decisions.