Was Dominick Reyes Robbed in His Fight with Jon Jones?

The match between Dominick Reyes and Jon Jones at UFC 253 is a topic of heated debate. Many are questioning the judges' decision, with some strongly believing that Reyes was robbed. This article will delve into the key points of contention, exploring the arguments for and against the decision and providing insights from multiple perspectives.

The Controversial Decision

On September 27, 2020, at UFC 253, Dominick Reyes faced off against Jon Jones in a highly anticipated bout. The fight ended in a unanimous decision for Reyes, with judges scoring it 48-47, despite many believing that Jones outperformed in the championship rounds. This decision has sparked significant controversy, with fans and analysts debating the fairness of the outcome.

Reyes' Early Dominance

Reyes had a strong start to the fight, winning the first three rounds with consistent striking and effective takedowns. His control of the early rounds was evident, and many supporters of Reyes argue that he deserved a much more favorable scorecard. In these rounds, Reyes showcased his technical prowess and demonstrated that he was capable of performing at a high level.

Jones' Championship Rounds

The latter part of the fight saw Jones begin to assert himself, particularly in the championship rounds. In the fourth round, Jones achieved a significant knockdown, which many perceive as a turning point in the bout. Despite Reyes' early performance, the effectiveness of his later rounds, especially the fourth, led to a unified scorecard in favor of Jones by the judges.

Scoring Criteria and Controversy

The debate surrounding this decision revolves around the scoring criteria used by the judges, particularly how they weighed striking versus control and aggression. While some believe that Reyes was robbed of the win, others argue that Jones' performance during the championship rounds deserved the judges' verdict. The scoring system in MMA aims to provide a fair evaluation of the fight, but its application can sometimes lead to disputed outcomes.

Vocal Opinions

Various opinions echo the sentiments expressed by the audience. For example, "Reyes was definitely robbed in his fight with Jones! Even the striking was lopsided. Reyes won the first three rounds and Jones never came close to a 10–8 round in 4–5. Ridiculous decision and those judges should be banned from their jobs!" This statement is reflective of the frustration many fans felt with the judges' decision.

Another perspective is summarized in "No. I do believe he won 48–47 but there really was no robbery since he was getting dominated in the championship rounds." This viewpoint suggests that while Reyes performed well in the early rounds, Jones' superior performance in the later rounds justified the judges' decision.

Observing the fight with the volume on mute, focusing solely on body language, it is clear that the rounds were closely contested. Despite the slightly one-sided judge's score, a break-down of the rounds shows that Reyes won three, which is the minimum needed to secure a win. This suggests that the decision was indeed subjective, and fans are divided on this point.

Rematch and Future Prospects

The question of a rematch naturally arises after such a contentious finish. Many MMA fans and analysts are eagerly awaiting a rematch, believing it could resolve the uncertainty around the fight's outcome. It would be a highly anticipated rematch, with fans looking forward to seeing how both fighters would evolve and perform in a more closely contested bout.

Overall, the decision between Reyes and Jones at UFC 253 remains a topic of intense debate. Whether Reyes was robbed or whether the judges correctly recognized Jones' championship-round dominance, the fight is a case study in the complexities of MMA scoring. Its discussion continues to be a source of enthusiasm and analysis in the MMA community.