UFC 302 featured some controversial judging compared to the last few UFC events. The co-main event saw Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa compete for five rounds. Fight fans expected fireworks from the duo. What they didn’t expect, however, was the judging controversy that would ensue.
The two middleweights traded conservatively for five grueling rounds. However, Sean Strickland was clearly ahead of Costa for nearly all rounds except for maybe 1 round. When the final bell rang, the crowd erupted in a mixture of cheers and boos. They awaited the judges’ verdict. Little did they know, they were about to witness one of the most bizarre scorecards in recent memory.
The first two judges seemed in agreement, awarding the bout to Strickland with scores of 50-45 and 49-46, respectively. But then, the third judge, Dave Tirelli, dropped a bombshell: a staggering 49-46 score in favor of Paulo Costa. The confusion was palpable, with fans and commentators alike scratching their heads in disbelief.
This meant that Strickland won the fight via split decision instead of a unanimous decision. The bout showcased the relatively poor nature of scoring in MMA. Fighters usually don’t like to leave the decision to the judges as apparent mistakes like these could happen. This could potentially ruin a fighter’s career in an instant.
Fans and Pros reacts to Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa scorecards
The overwhelming sentiment among fight fans was utter bewilderment as the dust settled on the highly anticipated co-main event between Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa. A collective gasp echoed through the arena and across social media as the scorecards were read.
Fight fans reacted to Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa scorecards (via X)Judge Dave Tirelli’s baffling 49-46 score in favor of Costa left many scratching their heads. Many fans questioned the very foundations of the judging system in mixed martial arts. Fans and former fighters took to X in droves, voicing their disbelief at the seemingly egregious scorecard. Here are some reactions from fight fans:
One of the judges in the Strickland/ Costa fight was Donald Trump😉
— Rampage Jackson (@Rampage4real) June 2, 2024
Split decision….you are an idiot Dave Tirelli…..#UFC302
— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) June 2, 2024
UNBELIEVABLY bad card. Unreal. Just horrible.
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) June 2, 2024
AT SOME POINT WE HAVE TO INVESTIGATE THE JUDGES. THAT IS THE SINGLE WORST SCORECARD IN UFC HISTORY AND THERE IS ZERO JUSTIFICATION FOR IT. INVESTIGATE THAT MAN IMMEDIATELY.
— Super Fan🇮🇪 (@McGregorRousey2) June 2, 2024
I can find a reason to rationalize most scorecards submitted by the judges, but 49-46 Costa is indefensible.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) June 2, 2024
I’m sorry, but whoever scored this fight for Paulo Costa should never judge any MMA fight in his life anymore.#UFC302
— Giorgi Kokiashvili 🇬🇪 (@iHeartGeorgius1) June 2, 2024
A judge scored it 49-46 Costa….worst scorecard in history #ufc302
— Weasle (@ThaWeasle) June 2, 2024
Dave Tirelli should be in prison
— Chris (@COUTSlDE) June 2, 2024
In the aftermath, the debate raged on. Analysts and fight fans dissected every round, every exchange, trying to make sense of the judging discrepancy. Some blamed it on the ever-present issue of inconsistent scoring in MMA, while others pointed to the subjective nature of the sport itself. Regardless, judging in MMA remains a hot and controversial topic.
