Controversial Decision at UFC 310: Volkov's Team Protests Fight Result
The recent UFC 310 tournament, which featured a highly anticipated fight between Alexander Volkov and Cyril Gan, has sparked significant controversy due to the judges' decision. Volkov's team is preparing to protest the outcome, claiming that the referees' verdict was unjust. Despite Volkov's strong performance, particularly in the second and third rounds, two judges awarded the fight to Gan, leading to widespread criticism of the officiating.
Volkov expressed his disbelief at the decision, stating, "I don't agree with the verdict, it’s hard for me to accept it." He emphasized that he felt he had won every round and noted the support he received from fans and commentators alike. The fight's officiating has drawn parallels to past controversies involving judge Adelaide Byrd, who has faced criticism for her scoring in previous bouts.
Volkov's Reaction and Future Plans
Following the fight, Volkov did not hold back his emotions, sarcastically suggesting that the judge favored Gan due to his physique. He is determined to challenge the decision, although he acknowledges the difficulties involved in overturning a referee's ruling in Nevada. Volkov's manager, Ivan Bannikov, confirmed their intention to file a protest with the athletic commission, despite the low success rate of such appeals.
Volkov remains focused on his career, expressing his desire to contend for the championship belt and awaiting the outcome of the upcoming fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. He believes that the UFC still views him as a title contender, despite the controversial decision.
Expert Opinions on the Fight
The fallout from the fight has prompted reactions from various experts in the MMA community. Former Bellator champion Andrey Koreshkov labeled the decision a "robbery," while UFC 6 winner Oleg Taktarov stated that Volkov clearly won the match. Taktarov criticized Volkov for being overly cautious, suggesting that he could have secured a more definitive victory.
Ural FC sports director Kirill Sidelnikov expressed his disappointment with the judging, stating, "It's sad when our guys are judged like this." The incident has raised questions about the qualifications of referees in high-stakes matches, with calls for improved standards in officiating to ensure fairness in the sport.
