UFC Atlantic City is up and underway and we’ve had a pretty lively event so far. With numerous finishes sprinkled all throughout the prelims and main card, the fans have had an entertaining night of action. However, the event has also been full of some pretty strange finishes.
For those unaware, ‘The All American’ Chris Weidman made his return to action against Bruno Silva on the main card of UFC Atlantic City. Having made his initial comeback in 2023 after a horrifying leg break in 2021, Weidman had suffered further injuries to his leg in his last fight. As a result, many, including UFC President Dana White called for the former middleweight champion to retire.
Here to put on a SHOW 🤩@ChrisWeidman vs Bruno Silva
[ NOW on @ESPN & @ESPNPlus | #UFCAtlanticCity ] pic.twitter.com/OrCGFH1p2h
— UFC (@ufc) March 31, 2024
However, the 39-year-old, who was considering retirement after his next fight found a new lease of life during training camp. Ahead of the fight, Weidman revealed that he does not wish to retire just yet. Considering what transpired during his fight with Bruno Silva at UFC Atlantic City, Chris’ belief will be further solidified.
Chris Weidman vs Bruno Silva ended in a controversial fashion
For the most part, UFC Atlantic City has seen its fair share of freak stoppages and controversial endings to fights. Despite the card having finishes sprinkled from top to bottom, some of them have left the fans scratching their heads. As for this one, fans were still able to get a better idea of things than they did during Andre Petroski vs Jacob Malkoun.
Notably, Chris Weidman vs Bruno Silva was riddled with eye pokes. Initially, Silva caught a thumb to the eye after a 1-2 from Weidman in Round 2. Then in Round 3, we saw another break after Silva fired a jab, only to eat a finger in the eye in return. In this instance, the replay showed that Bruno had launched a finger in Weidman’s eye as well. However, this one was controversial, with many claiming that the Brazilian needed a quick break.
UPDATE: After further review Weidman’s win will be ruled as a unanimous decision#UFCAtlanticCity https://t.co/Z8ZMqm4Zt0
— UFC (@ufc) March 31, 2024
Gassed or not the fight soon resumed with Silva trying to rally back. However following a blitz by Silva, the Brazilian got caught by a check hook, and seemingly went down, with Weidman swarming him for the finish. Notably, the replay revealed that Bruno Silva was eye-poked twice in the finishing sequence of the fight.
UFC Atlantic City was riddled with eye pokes
Safe to say, Chris Weidman and Bruno Silva’s fight was not the only fight at UFC Atlantic City that ended due to eye pokes. In the fight preceding theirs, Nursulton Ruziboev took on Sedriques Dumas, which also ended within the very first Round. As for this one, Dumas was on the receiving end of a combination that started off with an eye poke. Despite the clear eye poke, the fight was ruled a KO loss for Dumas.
For the most part, many will consider this to be controversial considering that Chris Weidman’s KO win over Bruno Silva was also overturned to a unanimous decision. Whilst many may be calling for consistency from the side of referees at UFC Atlantic City, it must be noted that the incident occurred in the closing moments of the fight, instead of the very first round.
Nursulton Ruziboev gets the knockout win over Sedriques Dumas after an eye poke😳😬
Thoughts on the stoppage?#UFCAtlanticCity pic.twitter.com/B1gebKC2vJ
— FightCrack (@FightCrack) March 31, 2024
Thus, while it may not sit well with the fighters affected by the eye pokes, it once again brings into question the UFC’s gloves of choice. Whilst we have seen them make improvements in the past with an updated model, it is clear that it is still very easy to unintentionally poke one’s opponent in the eye. Although it will cause a stir in the community, many do not expect to see any changes in the gloves, anytime soon.
