MMA fans were in force to criticize the outcome of the Magomed Ankalaev vs Ion Cutelaba fight at UFC Fight Night 169.
The lightweights clashed at the Chartway Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, but the clash lasted only 38 seconds when referee Kevin MacDonald stopped fighting after a quick opening.
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There was a real drama during the Cutelaba vs Ankalaev fight
Cutelaba started the action but was quickly blocked by a number of quick butts, which made him waver but never really lost his footing.
In fact, he continued to respond with swings, until a final savage punch convinced MacDonald that the fight should be stopped.
The referee intervened and separated the fighters – but Cutelaba was NOT happy, shouting at the official and even pushing him away angrily.
You can watch the dramatic incident below …
As a result, Ankalaev got the win in a minute, but it’s fair to say that not everyone thought the stop was correct.
The official UFC Twitter account even called it a “controversial ending” as they shared the highlights of the action, while fans in responses criticized MacDonald’s decision.
One called it “the worst stop I have ever seen in mma”, another argued “never let this referee enter another arena”, and a third wrote “absolutely terrible”.
It wasn’t just the fans who disagreed with the ruling, either.
Professional fighters got involved on social media with personalities like Niko Price, Francis Ngannou and Tatiana Suarez, all openness critics, criticizing MacDonald’s decision.
