Garry Copeland has found himself into the limelight after some of his decisions today at UFC Atlantic City. Copeland is a veteran referee who has been on the job for 20 years. However, even after having so much experience to boast of, perhaps things aren’t in his favor.
Garry Copeland oversaw multiple fights at UFC Atlantic City and made some interesting calls. Some were based by the people and others, praised. He was the referee who took a point away from Herbert Burns for landing multiple low-blows on his opponent, Julio Arce.
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He also protected Anton Turkalj from taking excessive damage after being knocked down for good by his opponent, Ibo Aslan. Unfortunately, he would find much criticism for allowing Chris Weidman to get away with two eye-pokes as he won over Bruno Silva.
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That’s right, that was the move that landed Copeland in hot waters. But who is he? Where does he come from? Did you know that Copeland is also U.S. Police Chief and a former Marine? Clearly, he’s had a lot of experience in field where sharp judgement is a must.
Copeland has previously also worked for UFC’s competitor, the PFL. The organization has previously called him their lucky charm too. He has previously been the referee for 153 fights with the Weidman fight being his latest one. But did that last one cause too much of an uproar?
Fans split over Garry Copeland’s decision
Chris Weidman came out in the open about the eye-pokes and addressed them in full detail. He also advised his opponent, Bruno Silva, to not go down even after being poked in both the eyes because that gives the ref the wrong signal. Here’s how fans reacted to Copeland stopping the fight.
Gary Copeland has had himself a hell of a night in there.
One of the more controversial nights of officiating in recent memory.
— Andy Hickey MMA (@AndyHickeyMMA) March 31, 2024
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While some claimed controversy, others had their minds made up.
Gary Copeland has entered himself into my favorite refs list. Did amazing with Ibo after the groin strike trying to get him to take his time and making sure he was fully ready. Then stopping the fight perfectly and preventing unnecessary damage. Great job!
— Knuckles 👊 (@knuckles_stan) March 31, 2024
Sorry, but Gary Copeland doesn't deserve to work at the UFC level. The whole world is watching…#UFCAtlanticCity
— Giorgi Kokiashvili 🇬🇪 (@iHeartGeorgius1) March 31, 2024
This fan believed he was having a bad night.
Gary Copeland is having a horrible night.
— Enfuego (@Enfuego101) March 31, 2024
Many criticized the eye-poke going unnoticed.
Absolutely brutal eye poke leads to the knockout.
Absolute GARBAGE reffing by Gary Copeland and Vitor Ribeiro tonight. Terrible. #UFCAtlanticCity
— Adam Martin (@MMAdamMartin) March 31, 2024
One fan labelled him the worst.
Gary Copeland is the worst referee in the history of the UFC LEGITIMATELY shocked he’s a ref. NEVER have I ever seen such a bad ref ever. Wow.
— David So (@davidsocomedy) March 31, 2024
Clearly, there’s much that goes into making such big decisions because it specifically affects fighters’ careers. But do you think his decisions were wrong during UFC Atlantic City? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Watch this space as the story develops.
Written by
Edited by
Joyita Das