‘She faked passing out’: Pros react to controversial Dione Barbosa soccer kick of Melissa Gatto at UFC Vegas 115
MMA Fighting • • sports
Key Points:
- Dione Barbosa won a majority decision against Melissa Gatto at UFC Vegas 115 despite controversy over a soccer kick in the second round that appeared to land on a grounded opponent.
- Replays were inconclusive on whether Gatto’s knees were off the mat when Barbosa's kick connected, leading to a one-point deduction for Barbosa rather than a disqualification after a lengthy review.
- The referees and ringside physicians allowed the fight to continue, and Barbosa ultimately won with two judges scoring it 29-27 and one judge scoring it 28-28.
- The incident sparked debate among fighters and commentators, with UFC flyweight Charles Johnson defending Barbosa and accusing Gatto of faking being fouled.
- The controversy highlights ongoing challenges in officiating strikes involving grounded opponents in MMA.
