“Are All These Fights Rigged” – Dana White and Co. Land in Trouble As ‘Disgusting’ Call by Official During William Gomis vs Yanis Ghemmouri Puts a Blemish on UFC Paris
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UFC Paris ran into controversy when William Gomis and Yanis Ghemmouri squared off on September 2. As the UFC caravan moved to the city of lights, Paris, the fight card offered fans high-paced action and fireworks. Also offering fighters a shot at glory, the Accor Arena was abuzz with an electric environment. However, the fans didn’t anticipate a controversial decision that broke off the fight.
While Gomis came into the fight riding on an 11-win streak and was 2-0 in the UFC, it was his MMA Factory affiliation that garnered attention. ‘The Jaguar’ hailed from the same gym that produced Ciryl Gane. Meanwhile, Ghemmouri was also on an impressive nine-fight winning streak and threatened to halt Gomis’ juggernaut. But ‘The Desert Warrior’ found himself on the receiving end of a controversial stoppage, hence sinking his hopes. Notably, Gomis won the fight via TKO in the third round and jumped to 13-2.
What happened in the fight at UFC Paris?
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Both fighters sized up their opponents, but the focus was on Gomis. However, he was hit with heady low kicks early in the fight by Ghemmouri. Both fighters were ready to exchange kick after kick, as kicks remained their weapon of choice. It was Ciryl Gane’s teammate who won the first competitive round.
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In the second round, Gomis mixed up punches and leg kicks well. His switch worked wonders as he continued to land blows. Ghemmouri, in response, attempted to take the fight to the mat but failed to take down Gomis. However, the kicking contest did turn into a clinching one. Despite dropping the second as well, Ghemmouri was again gunned down for a takedown early in the final round.
However, the fight met an anticlimax when Gomis’ leg kick brushed the belt line of Ghemmouri, and the referee immediately jumped in and stopped the action. In the post-fight interview with Michael Bisping, Gomis said, “I know how to aim my shots. I know I hit him with a legal shot.” Further, Bisping also pointed out that the review official had deemed the blow legal.
How did the fans react to the controversial decision?
Gotta do a better job picking refs. Or are all these fights rigged?
— Stephen Perdue (@StephenPerdue_) September 2, 2023
Okay I need y'alls thoughts about this one. Wtf is this call? Seems like such an absurd decision to call the fight over that? pic.twitter.com/uw4mxyujm5
— MartialMind 🇳🇬🇺🇲 (@MartialMind1) September 2, 2023
We have another belt line controversy in combat sports. I'm actually not sure what rule the relevant governing body uses to determine whether its low in MMA.
— Luke Thomas🏋️♀️ (@lthomasnews) September 2, 2023
That's one of the strangest endings to a bout in UFC history #UFCParis
— Nolan King (@mma_kings) September 2, 2023
"I've been doing fighting for 10 years, I know how to aim my shots." – William Gomis says it wasn't a low blow that stopped his bout. #UFCParis
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) September 2, 2023
Congrats to referee Loic Para for hitting that +400 Gomis wins by TKO/KO ticket#UFCParis
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) September 2, 2023
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And the ref is fired
— Chandler”Short Fuse”Hall (@chandlerhall115) September 2, 2023
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What do you make of this exciting fight that took place at UFC Paris fight card? Let us know in the comments below.
Edited by:
Abhishek Das