UFC Fight Night 250 officially kicked off in Saudi Arabia, with the highly anticipated Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov matchup still a while away. However, the event quickly sparked controversy, beginning with the preliminary card. This marked the first UFC event of 2025 in Saudi Arabia, with the action taking place inside the ANB Arena in Riyadh today.

For Dana White and the UFC, things didn’t go as planned. The organization faced significant criticism for hosting events in the Middle East. Fans and critics alike voiced concerns about the judging, with some accusing bias and partiality in the scorecards. A recent example of this controversy occurred at UFC 308, during the fight between Rinat Fakhretdinov and Carlos Leal. Now, once again, a new fight has ignited similar outrage.

The controversy began with the opening fight of the preliminary card between undefeated heavyweight Hamdy Abdelwahab and Jamal Pogues. Abdelwahab, making his UFC debut after a no-contest in his last fight, won by split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28). It was a close matchup, with Pogues offering strong competition, but fans were unhappy with the outcome. The official UFC X page posted the victory with the caption, “Nothing like your first UFC victory.” However, many fans strongly disagreed with the result.

In fact, the fight reminded them of UFC 308, where Rinat Fakhretdinov secured a controversial win over Carlos Leal. Fans questioned the judges’ decisions, as Leal seemed to land more strikes and cause more damage in the first two rounds.The fight reminded them of UFC 308, where Rinat Fakhretdinov secured a controversial win over Carlos Leal. Fans questioned the judges’ decisions, as Leal seemed to land more strikes and cause more damage in the first two rounds.

Once again, a Middle Eastern UFC event’s preliminary fight has come under intense scrutiny, with fans voicing their anger toward both the UFC and the judges. Let’s take a closer look at what fans had to say.

MMA fans are calling for an “investigation” into the Saudi Arabian judges

One fan quickly labeled the decision a “robbery,” echoing the frustration with the comment, “Jamal Pogues got SCREWED!!!” Jamal Pogues, known as ‘The Stormtrooper,’ kicked off his UFC career in 2019 through Dana White’s Contender Series, where he strung together a three-fight win streak and gained recognition in the division. However, today’s loss marked his second setback in the promotion. One fan, in disbelief, posted, “It’s impossible to score that fight for Hamdy,”

While another demanded an investigation, saying, “Judges need to be investigated. Saudi judge, Saudi fighter—most likely put his life savings on that guy.” The issue of questionable judging has been an ongoing headache for both the UFC and the commission. This was highlighted at UFC 305 in Australia when the Western Australia Combat Sports Commission removed Judge Howie Booth during the event after his controversial split decision between Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Tai Tuivasa.

Another fan chimed in, agreeing with the robbery sentiment: “Holy f-ck, I just watched a robbery first hand. I can already tell how this is gonna go.” As the UFC returns to Saudi Arabia for its second event, all eyes are now on Dana White and the organization to address the concerns, alongside Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alashiksh. Fans are already vocal, with some saying, “Saudi loves the robberies.”

What do you think about the Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Jamal Pogues heavyweight preliminary fight? Do you believe the judges’ decision was correct? Drop your thoughts below.