'Sharp robbery' – MMA fans furious after first UFC 308 fight ends in controversial fashion

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

In the very first fight of the evening, Russian Rinat Fakhretdinov was awarded a unanimous decision victory over Carlos Leal.

Carlos Leal was the underdog heading into the fightCredit: @MMASharke1 via X

But thousands of UFC fans let him win the fight after upsetting the Russian numerous timesCredit: @MMASharke1 via X

However, many UFC fans agree that Leal clearly had the upper hand over his opponent throughout the fight.

It seems that the Brazilian inflicted much more damage on Fakhretdinov in the first and second rounds, landing the most important hits.

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

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

This left MMA Fans around the world are outraged by the decision.

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

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

A fourth said: “First robbery of the night. Carlos Leal clearly won the first and second. Don’t go there to fight anymore. Absolute joke.”

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

This fan then stated: “Carlos Leal went to Abu Dhabi at short notice 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 while assaulting and restraining Khalil Rountree to make the final 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 jury ‘horrible’ at UFC 307 to MMA legends Jose Aldo and Carla Esparza have been on the receiving end of controversial defeats.

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

He picked up the belt for the first time after a knockout Alexander Volkanovsky at UFC 298 in February.

Volkanovski has proven to be Holloway’s kryptonite throughout his UFC career, as the latter lost three featherweight title fights to the Australian between 2019 and 2022.

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

No. 1 ranked light heavyweight Magomed Ankalaev takes on Alexsandar Rakic and Shara Magonedov also fights Armen Petrosyan on the main card.

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