After a 28-day drought coinciding with the retirement of Amanda Nunes, Alexandre Pantoja brought the UFC title back to Brazil with a thrilling win over Brandon Moreno on Saturday night.
The official ruling was one of the tensest moments in the co-main event of UFC 290, as a couple of closely contested rounds were taped for debate. In the end, Pantoja became the fifth female flyweight champion with a split decision victory. However, the scorecards remained a matter of controversy, particularly those presented by Judge Ben Cartledge. While Derek Cleary and Junichiro Camego delivered an identical 48-47 count in favor of Pantoja, Cartledge saw it 49-46 for Moreno – giving the final four frames to the Mexican flyweight.
Respected Brazilian judge Guilherme Bravo discussed the recording on his “Momento Bravo” show after the match.
“It really scared me. In that fifth round, Pantoja was superior, even on the punching sides in the first two minutes. Then he took Moreno down at the 2:15 mark, got his back, locked the lock, and punished him with punches from again. Then he applied the face.” Cross and the fight is over. Each of these grappling moves must be scored just like a punch or kick while the fight is standing. Control is different from domination. What Pantoja did was move forward for the fight to be decided and it should be factored into the judge’s criteria.”
Bravo also explained how he judges each action.
“I like the points system. I attribute values to each action. Of course, it depends on other factors like 3 D´s (damage, duration, control). But everything in the grappling and strike aspects should be recorded. Just like you attribute values to punches and kicks, you should Do the same with a throw, a guard pass, a ride and an attempt to submit. MMA is a very complex, interdisciplinary sport and must be judged in all its intricacies.”
With experience judging several UFC cards in Brazil, Bravo has also made it clear what happens once an event is over. He hopes that judges will one day be able to explain their reasoning to fans and the media just as they do to sports commissions and the UFC behind closed doors.
“When the UFC is over, all the referees and referees have a meeting in a closed room with a UFC representative, usually [Marc Ratner], and delegates, where all results are discussed. Of course the outcome of this debate does not go to the media, but I hope that will change one day.
“I have the notes that I have taken from all the UFC fights that I have refereed since 2011. I think it would be a step forward in the sport if the fighters and fans could better understand the criteria for referees and it would be great if the referees also explain the view.”