The TakedownUFC judging bias in Brazil? Stop the conspiracy theories – it’s all just a myth
- As the UFC returns to Brazil for Fight Night 163, the idea of hometown bias on judges’ scorecards will surely resurface
- But there’s enough evidence – and too few motives – to show the concept is complete nonsense
“Never leave it in the hands of the judges.”
A quote that has been synonymous with MMA for years thanks to UFC president Dana White and the community's general lack of trust in those who score the sport. And there are multiple reasons this fear slowly develops as time expires.
The big argument is those in the positions of power who dictate fighters' careers aren't the most equipped with the knowledge to be doing so.
However, while that could be true, there's another aspect that needs delving into. That being the concept of judging bias. Does it exist? How so and why?
Sticking with the UFC in particular, it has become a common mindset to make an extra effort not to go the distance in a foreign country, because of supposed favouritism from the scorecard creators to the hometown athlete.