A shocking incident unfolded at UFC 305 when judge Howie Booth was removed from his duties mid-event following an incredibly controversial scorecard during the heavyweight bout between Tai Tuivasa and Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Despite Rozenstruik’s dominant performance, Booth submitted a 30-27 scorecard in favor of Tuivasa, a decision that was in stark contrast to the other two judges, who both awarded the fight to Rozenstruik.

Immediate Aftermath and Removal

The Western Australian Combat Sports Commission acted swiftly in response to the outcry that erupted following Booth’s scorecard. Fans and commentators alike took to social media, labeling the decision as “one of the worst scorecards of all time” and demanding accountability. Booth was subsequently pulled from his scheduled role in the co-main event between Kai Kara-France and Steve Erceg, a move that was announced by commentator Jon Anik during the live broadcast.

UFC Senior Vice President, David Shaw, commented on the situation: “Someone felt that the performance was not sufficient to keep him [Booth] for the rest of the evening… It’s good to have checks and balances; everyone needs to maintain a high standard.”

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The Fans’ Reaction and Broader Implications

The decision to remove Booth was met with widespread approval, as many saw it as a necessary step to maintain the integrity of the sport. Booth’s earlier scoring in the evening also drew criticism when he was the only judge to award a round to Ricky Glenn in his fight against Song Kenan. The entire episode has sparked discussions about the standards of judging in MMA, with UFC Senior Vice President David Shaw emphasizing the importance of accountability in sports officiating.

Rozenstruik’s Reaction and Future

Jairzinho Rozenstruik, who was directly impacted by the controversial scorecard, expressed relief that the situation was addressed promptly, allowing him to focus on his ascent in the UFC’s heavyweight ranks. The controversy, however, underscores the ongoing challenges faced by sports commissions in ensuring fair and consistent judging in high-stakes competitions like the UFC.

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