SALT LAKE CITY – Cesar Almeida largely dominated his UFC 307 bout Saturday in Salt Lake Metropolis, however a lot of the narrative popping out of the bout was surrounding the non-fighter within the cage.
All through the quarter-hour that resulted in a unanimous determination win for Almeida (6-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC), officiating of the bout vs. Ihor Potieria (20-7 MMA, 2-5 UFC) was known as into query by many viewers together with commentator Jon Anik.
Referee Dave Seljestad, a veteran referee from the Pete Suazo Utah Athletic Fee that regulated the occasion, witnessed and acknowledged a number of fouls all through the bout and likewise shortly separated the fighters alongside the fence on a number of events.
For the victor, the officiating didn’t appear irregular. Almeida acknowledged the 2 fighters had been drained and mentioned that might’ve result in the judges’ determination.
“I feel it’s as a result of (we) had been a bit of drained within the three rounds,” Almeida advised MMA Junkie and different reporters at a post-fight information convention at Delta Middle. “He tried this, to cease the battle. He preserve it temporary, however that is regular. That is MMA. The man could make this a number of instances wrestling in the course of the battle. … It’s regular. The followers say this, however within the cage it’s very exhausting this battle.”
A win is a win for Almeida, who managed Potieira for a lot of their middleweight bout. The victory was vastly vital for Almeida because it bounced him again into the win column after a June cut up determination loss to Roman Kopylov.
“I’m so joyful immediately and this night time as a result of I’m again to the win,” Almeida mentioned. “This is essential for me. I’ve my very own technique for the battle. I’m retaining this sport and distance and connecting the arms, kicks, plenty of kicks, and the arm of the man and it labored. It was very, very good.
As he spoke to reporters backstage, Almeida sported a black wrap on his proper hand. He was not sure the extent of the harm and mentioned he must see a doctor. At any time when it’s that he’s able to return, Almeida advised a ranked opponent be subsequent.
“I’m again to the gymnasium Monday,” Almeida mentioned. “(I’ll be again in) December or January. It is dependent upon my hand. … I don’t know. Perhaps within the high 15. I really feel prepared.”
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