At UFC 305, a single judge’s decision at the Tai Tuivasa and Jairzinho Rozenstruik heavyweight fight has left the MMA community bewildered. The outcome of the fight has sparked substantial criticism after Charlie Keech and David Lethaby scored it in favor of Rozenstruik, while Howie Booth awarded a round to Tuivasa. Following that, Booth was relieved from co-main duties by the UFC.
During the main card of UFC 305, Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Tai Tuivasa had a stand-up fight for the entire 15 minutes in one of the featured bouts. Rozenstruik outperformed Tuivasa in all three rounds. The Surinamese fighter even came close to knocking him down in the second round. Despite his best efforts, the Australian heavyweight was unable to gain the upper hand against Rozenstruik
It seemed like a clear-cut 30-27 win for Rozenstruik. However, the decision took an unexpected turn when Bruce Buffer announced a surprising 30-27 score for Tuivasa. Judge Howie Booth scored a round in favor of the Australian fighter, leaving everyone in shock. As a result, Rozenstruik took a split decision for a fight he convincingly won. As for Tuivasa, his losing streak extended to five.
Interestingly, Judge Howie Booth has a track record of being out-judged. According to NY Post reporter Scott Fontana, Booth has been out-judged in 14.47% of the rounds he has scored in UFC events since 2017. This percentage is based on 76 rounds, making it the highest dissent rate of any judge who has scored 75 or more UFC rounds.
Howie Booth, who had Tuivasa winning 3-0, was scheduled to work co-main event between Kara-France and Erceg, but I have been told he has been PULLED from the bout. He’s done for the night. #UFC305
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) August 18, 2024
Even Judge Charlie Keech’s 29-28 Rozenstruik score seemed surprising. Many fight fans believed Rozenstruik won all three rounds. Even the UFC broadcast team criticized Booth’s scorecard, and color commentator Jon Anik later announced that Booth had been removed from his responsibilities in the co-main event of UFC 305.
Fight fans react to horrendous UFC 305 judge scorecard
The fight fans were fuming after seeing Booth’s scorecard. Not only that, even several fellow UFC fighters showed their disappointment with the scorecard. However, later, fight fans seemed to be happy about the decision that UFC made.
Following the victory even Rozenstruik took to his X handle (JairRozenstruik) and commented ‘Howie Booth high?’. Interestingly, some fight fans also highlighted giving a 30-27 to Tuivasa should send Booth to prison. Check out some of the intriguing reactions below.
the mafia will be dealing with him on his way home probably
— Tristan (@TristanGHill) August 18, 2024
Do you know how bad your scorecard has to be get fired in the UFC
— Super Fan🇮🇪 (@McGregorRousey2) August 18, 2024
30-27 Tuivasa is as bad a scorecard as I have ever seen.
Horrendous.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) August 18, 2024
Per many fans, this is the worst scorecard they have ever seen. However, now it remains to be seen how the UFC further reacts on the matter. As for fans, they feel such horrendous errors cannot be made at such a grand stage.
