Most Controversial Decisions in MMA

All sports have their own controversies, and mixed martial arts (MMA) is no different. Although a single punch or kick can end a fight, not every fight has a dramatic finish. When fights go the distance, judges step in to give their scoring of the action which has just taken place, and that’s when controversy often follows. Over the years, the UFC and other organizations have seen numerous decisions that left fans, fighters, and even commentators scratching their heads. These moments are part of the sport’s history, sparking endless debates about scoring systems and the fairness of the game.

How MMA is Scored

Before we jump into the list, it is important to understand how MMA fights are judged. MMA uses the “10-point must system,” adapted from boxing, where the winner of each round gets 10 points and the loser receives fewer. While this works in theory, MMA involves multiple disciplines such as striking, grappling, clinching, and octagon control, meaning there are variables to consider, making it harder to judge.

 

Different judges often value different elements. Some reward effective striking over takedowns. Others put more emphasis on ground control. This inconsistency creates the potential for controversial outcomes. Just as people debate close decisions in sports analytics or discuss promotional practices in online casino NJ platforms, the subjective nature of MMA judging means disagreements are likely to remain a consistent part of the sport.

Leonard Garcia vs Chan Sung Jung (2010)

Chan Sung Jung, known as “The Korean Zombie”, would burst onto the MMA scene with his fight against the veteran Leonard Garcia at WEC 48. The fight was famous for its fast pace and violent exchanges that made for nonstop action, and once the fight was over, many believed that Jung had done enough to get the decision.

Instead, the judges gave Garcia a split-decision victory. The decision was met with loud boos from the crowd and heavy criticism from commentators. Years later, it’s still considered one of the most baffling scorecards in MMA history.

Benson Henderson vs Frankie Edgar 2 (2012)

Frankie Edgar and Benson Henderson fought twice for the UFC lightweight title. Their second fight at UFC 150 was razor-close. Edgar seemed to land more strikes and control the pace, making the majority of fans believe that he would be named as the new champion, but Henderson retained the belt by split decision. Although fans were confused, no one was more frustrated by the decision than Edgar, who believed he had done enough to walk away with the belt.

Many analysts and fans argued that Edgar had clearly done enough to win. The controversy highlighted how championship fights often come under greater scrutiny. When the stakes are high, every questionable round becomes magnified in MMA history.

Diego Sanchez vs Ross Pearson (2014)

Diego Sanchez was a fan favourite ever since his appearance on The Ultimate Fighter reality TV show. He had become most well-known for his grit and aggressive fighting style. Sanchez faced off against Sunderland’s Ross Pearson, in what appeared to be a one-sided fight for Pearson, as he outstruck Sanchez on the feet and controlled most of the fight.

It was to the shock of both the fans in attendance and Pearson that Sanchez was announced as the winner via a split decision. UFC President Dana White called the scoring “horrendous,” and media outlets widely labeled it one of the worst decisions in UFC history. The decision was so bad that it ignited calls for major reforms in how MMA fights were judged.

UFC 167 saw one of the most controversial title fights ever take place when George St-Pierre (GSP) took on Johny Hendricks. At the time of the fight, GSP was considered to be one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. During the fight, Hendricks landed many heavy strikes and seemed to be in control until the final bell. Many believed GSP would finally be dethroned when he was announced the winner via split decision, and he would shockingly announce his retirement after the fight.

The result was so controversial that it forced the UFC to reconsider aspects of judging and sparked debate about whether champions receive an unspoken advantage on close scorecards.

Jon Jones vs Dominick Reyes (2020)

Jon Jones is no stranger to controversy, but his fight against Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 may be his most disputed win. Reyes put on a career-defining performance, outstriking Jones in the early rounds and pressuring the champion throughout.

Despite Reyes seemingly winning three of the five rounds, the judges awarded Jones a unanimous decision victory. The backlash was immediate, with analysts and fans alike calling for reform of the scoring system. Reyes has since struggled to recapture that momentum, while Jones eventually moved up to the heavyweight division, leaving the controversy unresolved.