UFC Judge Fired for Woeful Scorecard

UFC judge Howie Booth was removed from the co-main event at UFC 305 following a controversial scorecard he submitted during the heavyweight fight between Tai Tuivasa and Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Booth was initially scheduled to judge the flyweight bout between Kai Kara-France and Steve Erceg but was replaced by Ben Cartlidge after his scoring raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Criticism of Booth's performance was swift, with many taking to social media to express their discontent. Comments ranged from calls for him to never officiate again to labeling his scorecard as the "worst of all time." The uproar highlights ongoing concerns regarding judging standards in mixed martial arts, particularly in high-stakes bouts. In the flyweight fight that Booth missed, Kai Kara-France delivered a stunning first-round knockout of Steve Erceg, securing a potential title shot. This decisive victory underscored the unpredictability and excitement of the event, which also featured a thrilling lightweight bout where Dan Hooker edged out Mateusz Gamrot in a split decision. The main event showcased Dricus Du Plessis successfully defending his middleweight title against Israel Adesanya. Despite a strong third round from Adesanya, Du Plessis regained control, ultimately finishing the fight with a rear-naked choke. The night was marked by both impressive performances and the controversy surrounding officiating, leaving fans eager for future events.