Rory MacDonald wants an investigation into his controversial loss to Gleison Tibau at 2021 PFL 5.
MacDonald appeared to have been cruising painlessly to a decision victory over Tibau on Thursday at the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey. When the judges’ scorecard was announced everything changed and Rory couldn’t hide his surprise. It was a split decision against the former Bellator champion and UFC contender, and he was shocked.
Rory MacDonald wants investigation into his controversial defeat in PFL 5
After taking a few minutes to digest, MacDonald said he could not understand the decision. In fact, at the post-event conference he noted that more research is needed into how the fight was scored.
“I’m very disappointed. I think everyone I talked to, and everyone online, scored the fight in my favor. Even three rounds to zero, so I think it was a clear robbery. I think I was dominant in this fight. It was a tough fight and I respect Gleison, but I think I clearly won that fight and I think this should be investigated.”
In response to MacDonald’s comments, PFL president Ray Sefo said the fighter can file a complaint with the New Jersey State Athletic Control board, and the PFL does not control the evaluation.
MacDonald said he was convinced when the 15 minutes were up that he was going to raise his hand. Yet somehow two of the people judging the fight didn’t see it that way.
“I was absolutely sure. I was very surprised when they announced the first judge in his favor. I was shocked. But when I heard the split decision for him, I was shocked.What do you say? I just didn’t see it that way at all.”
MacDonald used the loss to express his thoughts on judging in MMA. Rory feels that bad decisions are common. Which is a burden for fighters who have to worry about losing half their paycheck when they are simply trying to compete to the best of their ability.
“We shouldn’t have to as fighters, as competitors (worry about the decision),” MacDonald said. “We should be able to fight and be calm because we have competent, fair and truthful judging in our sport. It shouldn’t be something we have to worry about and take a risk and risk our health to do something stupid. It’s insane. We don’t have this in any other major sport even. It seems like, time and time again, this is happening in our sport and it’s a real shame.”
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