BEMUSED UFC fans gave a split verdict on the “damn odd” confusion that reigned when Bruce Buffer announced a fight decision.
Viewers rated it as much more than a featherweight farce as Charles Jourdain was left WRONGLY celebrating victory over Sean Woodson.
UFCAmerican winner Sean Woodson, right, initially thought the split decision had gone to Canadian opponent Charles Jourdain[/caption]
UFCRing announcer Bruce Buffer was at the centre of controversy when Charles Jourdain appeared to have been given the verdict[/caption]
One fan likened the mishap to a 2015 viral optical illusion where some observers thought a black and blue dress was white or gold.
Both featherweights at the UFC 297 clash raised a fist as they waited for the verdict – then Jourdain punched the air with both arms following Buffer‘s announcement, while Woodson looked down in frustration.
The duo then embraced – only for Buffer to clarify the split decision, leaving both men open-mouthed in bemusement and now Woodson rejoicing.
Fans were divided over who to blame for the mix-up – with iconic announcer Buffer, referee Jerin Valel and the two UFC combatants all coming under the microscope.
A few reckoned Buffer didn’t voice Woodson’s victory clearly enough – which was ironic as the Yank had looked a clear winner.
Others believed Valel had got confused, in contrast to some viewers who felt the fighters misheard the verdict.
But there was general agreement for these social media posts: “That was so damn odd of a moment” … “What was that lol” … and “What a joke”.
One fan sparked debate by writing: “Noticed all night Buffers mic has been hard to understand.”
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Another added: “LOL at Buffer. How do you make ‘Sean’ sound like ‘Charles’?’”
But a third argued: “It was the ref raising the wrong hand.”
That opinion was backed up by these claims: “The ref was super confused” and “It was fully on the ref not Buffer”.
One observer posted: “You could hear the last name but they both looked confused cause the ref raised up the wrong hand. “
Others insisted the fighters “misheard” Buffer – but more seemed to feel it was the ref who had misunderstood.