The UFC returned to Brazil for an action packed event this past weekend, but it wasn’t without controversy. The main event for the evening featured Invicta FC featherweight champion Cris ‘Cyborg’ Justino.
Before the first fight even got underway, there was some confusion about Cyborg’s weight. The catchweight limit was 140 pounds for her bout against Lina Lansberg, yet Cyborg was apparently 141.5. Officially she made weight, though.
Cyborg Smash!
After hearing about Lina Lansberg’s Muay Thai experience, some fans were predicting an upset. This meant little to Cyborg, who later claimed she entered the octagon at 170 pounds.
The Brazilian knockout artist smashed Lansberg in two rounds. UFC commentator Joe Rogan has since called for a women’s featherweight division to be made. The most memorable moment of the evening came two fights before Cyborg’s demolition of Lina Lansberg. Heavyweights Roy Nelson and Bigfoot Silva were the story.
Big Country Gets Controversial
After a friendly rivalry heading in to UFC Fight Night 95, Roy Nelson and Antonio Silva collided on the main card. Quite predictably Bigfoot’s chin could not take the power of ‘Big Country.’ Nelson ended up knocking out Silva in the second round.
This was where the trouble began. Silva was clearly done from the first punch that landed, but referee Big John McCarthy wanted the fight to continue a little longer. Nelson was furious, and kicked the referee after the fight was over.
This moment has sparked a lot of debate. When Rafael dos Anjos TKO’s Jason High, the defeated fighter shoved the referee over the stoppage. High was ejected from the UFC directly after the fight.
Many have questioned Nelson’s motives after his attack on the referee. He claimed it was sheer frustration out of having to punish his friend unnecessarily. Whatever the case, it was a wild moment.
