Scorecard Error Forces Rematch Between Demetrious Johnson and Ian McCall
Posted by MMA weekly
Ian McCall and Demetrious Johnson will get three more rounds to settle their flyweight tournament semi-final fight, following improperly tabulated scorecards at UFC on FX 2 in Sydney.
Scores were initially read reflecting Johnson as a split decision winner (29-28, 28-29, 29-28). The judges scorecards, however, were tabulated incorrectly and should have shown the fight as a majority draw (28-28, 29-29, 29-28).
UFC president Dana White said it was human error, and confirmed the commission overseeing the event took full accountability.
“Controversy has stuck to us like glue, lately,” he said at the post-fight press conference. “The (Johnson-McCall) fight was not scored properly. The fight was a draw. In the case of a draw, the fight was supposed to go to a fourth round.
“The commission has taken full responsibility.”
Craig Waller, who spoke on behalf of the governing body, the Department of Sport and Recreation, was apologetic following the foul-up.
Photo courtesy of Megan Olivi
“It was a bit of an unfortunate situation,” he said. “I take full responsibility for the error that was incurred. Unfortunately, I misread one of the scorecards, which was transcribed onto the tally sheet. The fight should have been a majority draw.
“I sincerely apologize to both fighters and to every single fan of the UFC.”
Johnson said he felt he won the fight. The error, he said, prolongs things and forces the evening’s other flyweight winner, Joseph Benavidez, to wait even longer to see who he faces for the flyweight title.
“Mighty Mouse” did say, however, he’ll work within the circumstances and settle the score with McCall.
“I thought I had the victory,” Johnson said following the announcement of the draw. “It is what it is. It happens.”
McCall, who was initially disappointed following the announcement of the winner, said he’s excited to get another chance at fighting Johnson. When asked what his reaction was to the scorecard error, McCall just said things happen.
“Shoot, we get to fight again!” McCall said enthusiastically. “You guys had a good time, right?
“I’m happy because I got a little vindicated. We’ll just do it again and that’s awesome.”
Waller hinted at the Johnson-McCall rematch being in April, but when asked if he could confirm the timeline for the fight, White replied, “I have no idea.”
MMA Weekly