UFC fans and fighters have called for judge Sal D'Amato to be fired after his controversial decision in Sean Strickland's win over Jack Hermansson.
Strickland continued his impressive run at 185-pounds by out-striking fellow top contender Hermansson to win a split decision in the main event of UFC Vegas 47.
He controlled most of the fight with his jab that repeatedly popped Hermansson’s head back during their exchanges on the feet.
After five rounds, two judges scored the fight to Strickland by scores of 49-46 whilst judge D'Amato saw it 48-47 for Hermansson.
The scorecard in Hermansson's favour drew heavy criticism from fight fans with many calling for D'Amato to be fired because of his decision.
Eric Nicksick, the coach of UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, labelled D'Amato's verdict as "egregious".
"Not even one media member scored it for Jack. I know we won, but if this guy is still judging, he will continue to make egregious decisions and ultimately cost fighters their careers and livelihood. [ Fire Sal]," he wrote on Twitter.
UFC heavyweight Chris Daukaus also called out D'Amato for his scorecard and wanted to hear the rationale behind it.
And a fight fan weighed in on the verdict by writing: "So does Sal D’Amato have to report to anyone on why he scored it for Jack?
"Would be very interested to hear his reasoning for giving him that score on the cards. Judge accountability should be a thing," he wrote."
Another called for D'Amato to never judge again, stating: "Sal D'amato needs to never judge again... He messes up so many decisions. He has no clue how to judge MMA, or I think sometimes he has bets on fights.."
"Said it once, I will say it 100 times. Sal D'Amato has to go. This man does not need to be a judge. Strickland lands 3X as many sig. strikes and he gives 3 to Hermansson? Wtf is that."
What did you make of Sal D'aAmato's decision? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below
It's not the first time D'Amato has been slammed for one of his verdicts, former UFC champion Daniel Cormier criticised his judging in the title fight between Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira at UFC 262 last May.
"This is absolutely insane," Cormier wrote of D'Amato and another judge awarding the first round to Chandler.
"While chandler did win the round Charles had the back and landed some shots. The judging last night was bad, there seems to be no value in ground control anymore.
"Vivian [Oliveira] got to the mount and controlled, attempted sub and still lost the round."
