Ante Delija Speaks Out on Controversial UFC Vegas 110 Eye Poke Ruling
Ante Delija is seeking clarity regarding the controversial ending of his fight against Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC Vegas 110. The heavyweight co-main event concluded with Cortes-Acosta being declared the winner by knockout. However, this decision was shrouded in confusion due to a foul that occurred during the match.
Details of the Controversial Fight
Three minutes into the first round, Delija was delivering significant strikes to Cortes-Acosta when referee Mark Smith stepped in to halt the action. Cortes-Acosta, however, complained about an eye poke. After reviewing the incident on video, Smith offered Cortes-Acosta the option to continue, and the fight resumed shortly thereafter.
Delija’s Reaction
Following the fight, Delija took to Instagram Stories to express his frustration. He posted a five-point statement condemning the referee’s decision and the actions of the athletic commission. Key excerpts from his statement included:
- Demanding honesty regarding the fight’s conclusion.
- Stating, “I do not run from defeat,” while emphasizing respect for all opponents.
- Highlighting the unfairness of being “robbed” due to rule violations.
Delija emphasized that the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) had never witnessed such an incident before.
Context of Recent Incidents
This controversy follows just a week after another incident involving a teammate of Delija, Tom Aspinall. During UFC 321, Aspinall defended his heavyweight championship title against Ciryl Gane. That bout ended in a no-contest due to Gane poking Aspinall in both eyes, preventing the champion from continuing the match. Delija defended Aspinall amid criticism, stating, “I had 33 fights and I never poked somebody in the eye. The punishment for that should be severe.”
Delija’s UFC Journey
The outcome was particularly disappointing for Delija, who had previously made a remarkable UFC debut in September. In that match, he knocked out the seasoned contender Marcin Tybura in the first round. Delija aimed for a 2-0 record in the UFC, but this controversial foul led to a disappointing turn of events in his fight against Cortes-Acosta.
As Ante Delija continues to voice his concerns and seek accountability, the implications of these rulings raise significant questions about enforcement and fairness in the sport.
