‘Flat robbery’ – MMA fans left furious after UFC 308 first fight ends in controversial fashion

UFC 308 has already gotten off to a shaky start in the eyes of fans following a controversial points decision.

In the first fight of the night, Russia’s Rinat Fakhretdinov got a unanimous decision victory over Carlos Leal.

It was Carlos Leal who was heading to the fightCredit: @MMASharke1 via X

But thousands of UFC fans had him win the fight, rocking the Russian multiple timesCredit: @MMASharke1 via X

However, many cfu fans agreed in their opinion that Leal clearly had the better of his opponent throughout the match.

The Brazilian appeared to do far more damage to Fakhretdinov in the first and second rounds as he landed the more significant shots.

Referee Mike Bell scored the match 29-28, as did David Lethaby.

Meanwhile, Hadi Mohamed Ali, however, conceded all three rounds to Fakhretdinov, scoring the match 30-27.

She left MMA fans around the world furious about this decision.

Taking to X, one posted: “This is the worst decision I’ve ever seen, that 30-27 is the top three worst scorecards I’ve ever seen.”

While another added: “Abu Dhabi just ruined Carlos Leal’s career.”

A third commented: “Oh my God. Carlos Leal went to Abu Dhabi at short notice to be blatantly robbed.”

A fourth said: “First robbery of the night. Carlos Leal clearly won the first and second. Stop going there to fight. An absolute joke.”

And a fifth added: “This might be one of the worst robberies I’ve ever seen.”

This fan then stated: “Carlos Leal stepped out in Abu Dhabi shortly to be blatantly robbed.”

UFC president Dana White was not happy with the judges at UFC 307, which took place on October 5.

The card was headlined by Alex Pereira as he tackled and stopped Khalil Rountree to make the latest routine defense of his light heavyweight title.

Sean O’Malley, Dustin Poirier and Michael Bisping make predictions for Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway at UFC 308

He called the judgment “atrocious” at UFC 307 by MMA legends Jose Aldo and Carla Esparza were on the receiving end of some controversial defeats.

UFC 308 sees Ilia Topuria put his featherweight belt on the line Max Holloway.

He took the belt for the first time after knocking him out Alexander Volkanovsky at UFC 298 in February.

Volkanovski has proven to be Holloway’s kryptonite during his UFC career, with the latter losing three featherweight title bouts to the Aussie between 2019 and 2022.

Robert Whittaker faces off Khamzat Khimaev in a five-round co-main event, while Manchester’s Lerone Murphy also appears on the main card as he takes on Dan Ige.

Magomed Ankalaev takes on Alexsandar Rakic and Shara Magonedov fights Armen Petrosyan on the main card as well.

UK fans can watch all the main card fights TNT Sports Box Office from 7pm BST tonight.