Modestas Bukauskas understands that broadcast commentators have a job to do, and disagreements are part of the process. However, after reviewing his fight from UFC 315, he remains puzzled by Daniel Cormier`s assertion that his very close split-decision victory was “trash.”
The seasoned light heavyweight secured a hard-fought split decision win over Ion Cutelaba last weekend in Montreal. Bukauskas was confident in the legitimacy of his win. While watching the bout back at home, he identified areas for improvement but saw no justification for claims of a “robbery” in what was ultimately a competitive, back-and-forth contest over three rounds.
“That’s trash,” Cormier said during the broadcast after the scorecards were revealed. “That’s actually a very bad decision. A 30-27 for Bukauskas?”
Bukauskas states he doesn`t resent Cormier for his opinion but recognizes the significant influence commentary can have on public perception, which he believes contributed to the reaction to his fight.
Bukauskas told MMA Fighting he felt Cormier`s comments heavily swayed opinions, particularly online, with many simply repeating the commentary rather than forming their own views. While respecting Cormier and other commentators as Hall of Famers and top figures in the sport, Bukauskas found their strong stance against his win confusing, saying he didn`t understand their biased perspective or how it made sense.
He acknowledges that everyone is entitled to their opinion, suggesting that dissatisfaction might also be linked to betting losses. Bukauskas understands that pleasing everyone in this sport is impossible, especially in a close fight. His primary focus is simply on continuing to win, as the official result is what counts.
To analyze his performance thoroughly, Bukauskas revealed he watched the fight footage multiple times, comparing his impressions with and without the official UFC broadcast commentary.
While he admits the fight had critical junctures where the decision *could* have gone to Cutelaba, Bukauskas firmly disputes the narrative that his opponent was unfairly judged or “robbed.”
Bukauskas recounted that he and his coaches reviewed the fight with and without sound. One coach, observing from a neutral standpoint without commentary, found it extremely close but slightly favored Bukauskas. Bukauskas accepts the commentators` role in analyzing fights and sees their critical view as motivation to deliver a more decisive performance next time.
He expressed confusion at the commentators` apparent expectation of a 30-27 score for Cutelaba, calling it illogical. Bukauskas mentioned he`d be interested in understanding Cormier`s rationale but ultimately remains focused on delivering undeniable performances in the future to remove any doubt about the outcome.
Post-fight reactions have been mixed, but Bukauskas recognizes that even negative attention generates buzz, which is beneficial for any fighter.
He doesn`t shy away from provoking discussion, but his personal view on the fight`s outcome has remained consistent since leaving the cage, despite reviewing it multiple times.
Bukauskas cited an Instagram post where he asked “biggest robbery?” while maintaining a neutral stance, acknowledging it wasn`t his best fight but believing he landed more effective strikes. He was pleased with the significant engagement the post received, seeing it as a positive.
Regardless of the controversy, Bukauskas secured his third consecutive win and is now targeting opponents in the top 15 rankings, with a specific name in mind.
He named Zhang Mingyang, who recently entered the top 15 after an impressive win. Bukauskas described Zhang as an exciting fighter who “always comes out to fight” and a “great guy,” proposing a bout between them.
Bukauskas sees this fight as a path for him to break into the top 15 and for Zhang to solidify his position. Since both fighters recently won and other potential opponents are booked, he sees it as a logical next step.
