Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Bantamweight fighter Miles Johns suffered a very competitive split decision loss to Brazilian prospect Jean Matsumoto this past weekend (Sat., Aug. 9, 2025) at UFC Vegas 109 inside UFC’s Apex venue in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The scorecards sparked a firestorm online. Many fans argued Johns took Rounds 1 and 3 with his relentless pressure and a clutch takedown, while others claimed Matsumoto’s slick striking stole Rounds 2 and 3.
Here is the official scorecard.
“I don’t know, guys, I really thought we won that fight. I thought the takedown in the third round secured the deal,” Johns said. “When the fight was over, I was not nervous; I thought we for sure won. It is what it is. The part that makes me upset is our life is literally in the hands of these dumb flipping judges who don’t know what they are doing.”
“They don’t realize I have four kids,” Johns continued. “I have mouths to feed, and they’re making bad decisions when a lot of money is on the line. They’re not held accountable at all. No one goes back to them and says, ‘Show me why you scored it this way.’”
“The one judge who had me winning scored Matsumoto for the first round and me for the second and third. Matsumoto clearly won the second round! But I won the first and third,” Johns concluded. “It is what it is. I’m going to get back to work and stay proud of my performance.”
The judging at UFC Vegas 109 was widely criticized. While the rightful winners emerged in most cases, several fights went to split decisions, and the scorecards were wildly inconsistent, as if the judges weren’t even watching the same bouts.
To echo Johns’ point: yes, fighters’ careers hinge on these judges’ decisions. One bad call can lead to a release from the promotion.
For complete UFC Vegas 109 results, coverage and highlights click HERE.