The UFC on ESPN 57 event in Louisville, Kentucky, promised fireworks. However, no one expected the main event to end in such a polarizing fashion. Nassourdine Imavov secured the biggest win of his career against Jared Cannonier. However, the manner in which the fight ended left many fans feeling uneasy.
The fight started with Jared Cannonier holding his own and clearly winning the round. The second round saw Imavov adapting to Cannonier’s assault and put pressure on the former title challenger. The third round saw a back-and-forth exchange between the fighters, each landing several clean shots.
In the fourth round, Imavov caught Cannonier with a right hand. The “Killa Gorilla” was visibly rocked, prompting Imavov to unleash a furious barrage of strikes. However, just twenty seconds into the onslaught, referee Jason Herzog stepped in and waved off the contest. Fans, Cannonier, and his corner disapproved of the referee’s decision.
While Cannonier was undoubtedly in trouble, he was standing and defending himself. The stoppage, though executed with the best of intentions, seemed premature. Cannonier was on a two-fight winning streak, including an excellent performance against Marvin Vettori. Imavov was part of another controversial decision in his recent fight. Nevertheless, fans remain unhappy with the result.
Fans react to the premature stoppage at UFC on ESPN 57 main event
Nassourdine Imavov secured a fourth-round technical knockout victory against Jared Cannonier at UFC on ESPN 57. The ending of the fight was nothing short of controversial. Social media erupted with outrage and disbelief over what many deemed a premature stoppage by referee Jason Herzog.
Fight fans reacted to Nassourdine Imavov vs. Jared Cannonier stoppage (via MMA Fighting)Fight fans and MMA personalities alike took to X to voice their frustrations. The major theme of the reactions was concentrated on the bad decision made by the referee. However, some fans felt Cannonier was out on his feet, and the stoppage was good. Here are some of the reactions from fight fans:
Cannonier literally landed clean in the final exchange absolutely moronic officiating
— Super Fan🇮🇪 (@McGregorRousey2) June 9, 2024
Here’s the full exchange:
I think it was a fair stoppage because of Cannoniers body language, thoughts?
— 𝗖𝗢𝗔𝗖𝗛 𝗠𝗖𝗚𝗨𝗜𝗥𝗞🏝🥃 (@CoachMcGuirkMMA) June 9, 2024
I mean, this is really awful. Watching live, I thought Cannonier lost a mouthpiece or something. He was robbed here. I’d love to understand why Herzog, who is typically solid, made this call. One of the worst in recent memory. https://t.co/WxvbM19l75
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 9, 2024
The worst part about that Cannonier stoppage by Imavov is that Imavov is known to slow as fights go on and if Cannonier could’ve survived that and Imavov fumbled a finish going all out then Jared would’ve likely turned momentum around in the next round.
Fuck you Herzog.
— THE MMA GURU (@THATBOYMMAGURU) June 9, 2024
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the controversy surrounding this stoppage will linger long after the echoes of the final bell have faded. Fans, fighters, and officials alike will scrutinize and dissect this moment. What the future holds for Cannonier and Imavov after UFC on ESPN 57 remains to be seen.
