On Saturday night, the main event of UFC San Antonio featured a top-level bantamweight fight between Marlon Vera and Cory Sandhagen.Sandhagen, who is known for his unconventional striking style, showed off a completely different facet of his fighting style by quickly putting Vera down and dominating him for the most of round one. As the battle went on, “Sandman” put on an amazing clinic, using his tremendous range to counteract Vera’s aggressive push.
Vera had a few good moments in rounds 3 and 5, but they were infrequent. Despite his impressive performance, Cory Sandhagen was only able to win by a split decision.
Two seasoned UFC judges gave the victory to Sandhagen with ease, however the dissenting judge gave ‘Chito’ the win with a score of 48–47. The main event was Joel Ojeda’s fourth UFC bout, and this was his first time serving as a judge for a UFC night.Ojeda, a mainstay at local competitions like Fury FC and Invicta FC, has only judged 75 mixed martial arts matches in his whole career.
UFC fans and pundits unanimously slam Joel Ojeda for his scoring of Cory Sandhagen vs. Marlon Vera
Most spectators and observers believed Cory Sandhagen defeated Marlon Vera convincingly at UFC San Antonio, in contrast to referee Joel Ojeda. A firestorm of criticism about Ojeda’s judgement and the UFC for entrusting a major event to a novice judge erupted on MMA Twitter.
“According to @MMADecisions, Joel Ojeda has submitted completed scorecards for just four UFC fights,” noted renowned boxing coach Teddy Atlas. (including Sandhagen vs. Vera). Giving less seasoned regional judges the chance to represent and judge UFC events is something I fully support, but for the big events, expertise is just too crucial.
Aljamain Sterling, the current bantamweight champion, also demanded an explanation, citing the recent increase in judging errors as justification. “I just want an explanation,” “Funkmaster” wrote. This occurs far too frequently.
Henry Cejudo, a former double champion who will fight again at UFC 288 in May, witnessed Vera receive a lopsided pounding from Sandhagen. As ‘Triple C’ put it:
“These judges disgust me. That thrashing lasted five rounds! I foresee these things, you owe me a steak supper, @mwonsover.
