Tuesday in Peru Ian Escuza scored a quick knockout Luca Borandostopping the opponent in just 32 seconds. It’s exactly the kind of win that typically earns an up-and-coming talent a UFC contract, and indeed, Escuza left as the UFC’s newest featherweight following the praise of matchmaker Sean Shelby.
The problem? Escuza definitely hit an illegal knee in the flurry that finished Borando. The clip below clearly shows Borando’s knee on the canvas (making him a downed opponent) as another Escuza knee lands on his face.
Even after reviewing the sequence in slow motion, Dean and the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) ruled Escuza the winner instead of declaring the bout a no-contest or disqualification. (like this). Speaking to the media after the event, UFC CEO Dana White reacted to the controversy and laid the blame on Herb Dean’s feet.
“We’re spending money to fund training for these guys so they can train,” White explained when asked how the umpiring problem could be solved. “I disagree with you. Herb Dean has been around for a long time. It’s not like he’s green and needs a job. He went up.”
The UFC has no control over the decisions of sports commissions or referees. Who gets the UFC contract, however, is completely under the control of White and company, and awarding Escuza after landing an illegal knee doesn’t exactly send a big message. It would almost be like promotion of interim champion after him to the undisputed gold dazzled the true king of the division!
I’m waiting Alex Pereira reaction within the next 24 hours.
