TDLR Issues Statement On Controversy Surrounding UFC 247

UFC 247 could go down as one of the more controversial events in the history of the promotion, but it had nothing to do with the fighters, but with the judges appointed by the Texas Department Of Licensing & Regulation (TLDR).

Some of the more controversial moments from UFC 247 featured alleged terrible judging during the main event between UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones and Dominick Reyes, plus a preliminary card bout between Jonathan Martinez and Andre Ewell. Also, commentators Joe Rogan and Dominick Cruz claimed that a judge was staring at the floor during the bout between Andrea Lee and Lauren Murphy.

TLDR spokesperson Tela Mange issued the following statement to MMA Junkie on the controversies surrounding UFC 247:

“As in all athletic events, athletes, teams, judges, fans and media representatives can – and often do – have differing opinions about what happened in a combative sports match. TDLR applauds the passion everyone is exhibiting about this sport. Comments have been made about the selection of the judges and the referees. In selecting ringside officials, TDLR takes into consideration recommendations made by UFC. As with all events, TDLR works closely with UFC and other promoters to ensure the quality and experience of referees and judges to protect the health and safety of the fighters. Claims have been made that a judge was not paying attention to the fight and was looking down at the floor. One of the advances that UFC has made in the past several years has been to provide small video monitors below the floor level of the octagon for each judge to more closely monitor matches.”

The UFC isn’t scheduled to return to the state of Texas anytime soon and it is unknown when another event is going to be run in the state.