The UFC 280 tournament caused mixed emotions among Russian MMA fans. On the one hand, it is joyful that Islam Makhachev returned the lightweight title to Russia. On the other hand, the referee’s decision in the fight of Petr Yan raised too many questions.

Almost all fans and experts of mixed martial arts saw the victory of the Russian fighter in the confrontation with Sean O’Malley. However, the judges came to a different conclusion – and greatly angered the audience.

On social networks, fans from all over the world gave the UFC a real dressing down!

Unexpected defeat

Russian fighter Pyotr Yan was considered the favorite at the next numbered UFC tournament in Abu Dhabi. The promotion identified the popular American Sean O’Malley as his rival, who, however, occupied only 11th place in the division ranking. The Russian was number one.

Most experts considered Yan the undisputed favorite of this confrontation. The great experience of meetings with serious rivals, which he held at a high level, spoke in favor of the Russian athlete. Also, Peter already owned the champion title, which he undeservedly lost in a close fight against Aljamain Sterling.

But unexpectedly for many, O’Malley put up serious resistance to Peter in this fight. The fight was very close. The American was greatly helped by a great advantage in arm span and leg length. But Ian tried to level this difference by moving the fight to an atypical ground floor for himself, where he controlled the opponent. More than five minutes eventually recorded Petra in control of the American.

Unfortunately, the Russian failed to avoid damage from Sean. In the decisive round, O’Malley landed a good knee on Peter’s head. After that, Yang opened a deep cut above his right eye. Blood began to flow from the wound, greatly interfering with the conduct of the battle. As a result, the victory by a separate decision of the judges went to the American fighter.

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“Even Sean didn’t dare call it a win”

Immediately after the announcement of the winner, the hall in Abu Dhabi eloquently expressed its disagreement with the decision of the arbitrators. There was a loud roar and whistle in the stands. Even O’Malley himself was embarrassed to announce his victory after the fight, expressing a desire to rewatch the fight on record in order to figure everything out.

But there were commentators on UFC social networks who saw the victory of the American fighter in this confrontation.

“It’s definitely not a robbery. I don’t think control time should matter as much as it did in the past, so I’m happy to see O’Malley win,” @RizticPK wrote.

– What a fight! There is no denying that Sean deserves to be one of the best in the division,” @karthik_iyer14 supported the American fighter.

– Deservedly! Suga is the future national champion. Before the fight, I didn’t think that Sean would win by decision,” wrote @1Sirjacksalot.

Photo: © Chris Unger / Contributor / UFC / Gettyimages.com

But the few comments in support of O’Malley were drowned out by thousands of messages in support of Jan. From the popular anger on social networks, both the judges and the entire UFC got it.

– O’Malley’s biggest win? Looks more like Ian’s biggest heist ever,” said @PuntingProblems.

“I haven’t seen such a bad decision since Trump was elected president,” user @_DAVlES compared Yang’s defeat to the US election.

– Oh my God! This is the worst decision! I don’t want these judges to make decisions today anymore,” wrote @praaatiik immediately after the announcement of the results.

“I’m tired of watching this sport, this rigged sport,” user @LeBIKUZO said about the UFC bias.

– The UFC does not like Jan, this is clear to everyone. He also won the fight with Sterling, but he should have won this one unanimously. The UFC wants to push O’Malley to make money off him. Shameful judges! – expressed the opinion of @ptiking4743.

“UFC scoring is sometimes confusing, I don’t remember which title fight, but Ian landed more accented punches, but the champion landed two pointless takedowns and won by split decision,” said @SChingtham.

Photo: © Chris Unger / Contributor / UFC / Gettyimages.com

With all due respect, I don’t agree with the result. Even Sean didn’t dare to call it a victory,” @JackDoe45369364 opined.

— Judges against Russia. Islam is also better not to bring his duel to the final siren, – wrote @Aziz_Sensei.

Sean doesn’t deserve to win! I think the Russian was unfairly deprived of the victory because of his nationality – the user @776687 suggested that the judges were biased on a national basis.

The unfair decision of the two judges seriously complicated the further fate of the Russian fighter. Now it will be very difficult to get close to the championship belt in the bantamweight division.