2024-08-18 22:05:02
Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Western Australia’s Combat Sports Commission removed judge Howie Booth midway through UFC 305 on Saturday night after he was the dissenting voice in Jairzinho Rozenstruik’s split-decision victory over Tai Tuivasa.
Booth gave each of the three rounds to Tuivasa, and his scorecard presented a stark contrast to his two colleagues.
ESPN MMA @espnmma
Howie Booth, who gave all three rounds to Tai Tuivasa, has been relieved of his duties for the rest of the night, Jon Anik announced during the #UFC305 broadcast. pic.twitter.com/81siV6EL0K
There’s always room for interpretation when it comes to judging a fight, but it was tough to square how anybody could’ve come away viewing Tuivasa as the winner on Saturday. Rozenstruik landed more than twice as many strikes (92) than his opponent (37) and was far more efficient with his offense.
Like many others, the Surinamese heavyweight was befuddled by Booth’s scorecard.
MMA Junkie @MMAJunkie
Jairzinho Rozenstruik was pleased to learn judge Howie Booth was pulled from his remaining #UFC305 duties after turning in an insane 30-27 scorecard for Tai Tuivasa. pic.twitter.com/BujEGgwZPl
Jairzinho ‘BIGI BOY’ Rozenstruik @JairRozenstruik
Howie Booth high? #UFC305
UFC executive Dave Shaw said the decision to relieve Booth of his duties was out of the promotion’s hands. He added that pulling judges after particularly questionable scores is broadly “good checks and balances.”
MMA Junkie @MMAJunkie
UFC exec Dave Shaw reacts to the Australia Commission removing judge Howie Booth from #UFC305 after his egregious 30-27 scorecard for Tai Tuivasa. pic.twitter.com/UXQSWeUB8e
MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin noted Booth was originally scheduled to sit at the judges’ table for the co-main event between Kai Kara-France and Steve Erceg, with Ben Cartlidge taking his place.
The judges ultimately weren’t needed as Kara-France won via first-round TKO.
The way in which the Combat Sports Commission handled the situation could set an example for others because it acted relatively swiftly and in all likelihood prevented this from becoming a bigger controversy.
