*Updated* Dana White Awards Ross Pearson $30,000 Win Bonus, Says He Gets The Next Level Fight
UFC president Dana White has finally spoke out about the controversial decision rendered in the Fight Night 42 co-main event fight this past Saturday. Ross Pearson was jacked by two judges after beating Diego Sanchez over three rounds, as one judge even scored the bout 30-27 for Sanchez and ‘The Real Deal’ had to eat a split decision loss.
The call is being labelled as the worst of all time, and some would say with good reason. ‘The Baldfather’ spoke with ESPN today, and he shared the sentiment of pretty much everybody who saw the fight. Check it out:
“It was horrible,” White told ESPN.com. “In the second round, Diego got dropped and one judge still gave him that round. Insanity, man. Pearson got robbed. Pearson won that fight clearly. He easily won that fight. We have to treat Pearson like he won and give him that next level fight.”
“The thing about our sport is there’s never any of that hometown advantage bulls—. Yeah, more people are going to be cheering for you than the other guy, but it’s not like the judges are all from that town. Usually, athletic commissions pull the best from around the country. Whoever gave that fight all three rounds to Sanchez should never judge a fight again.”
The questionable judging is one thing, but I’m yet to totally make my mind up on this situation. After the accusations made by Pearson’s camp in regards to drug testing, I’d be very unhappy to learn that there is corruption involved in modern MMA officiating. White sees it as incompetent judging, and clearly doesn’t buy in to the whole conspiracy side of things.
Whether or not that decision actually impacts on Pearson’s career is yet to be seen, and it is refreshing to hear that the promotion will now treat ‘The Real Deal’ as if he won, which he did. So does the rabbit hole go further, or are you in agreement with White on this matter? The UFC prez also indicated that there will be no rematch between the veteran sluggers.
*Update*
UFC president Dana White has also revealed that Pearson will indeed receive a ,000 win bonus for his fight against Diego Sanchez. It appears the big bald guy at the top does have a heart after all. All that is left is for the NMAC to return their verdict on the proceedings.