Dhiego Lima Plans on Appealing Split-Decision Win to Unanimous
MMA is probably the most polarizing sport in the entire world. Honestly, it’s not often that the entire community agrees on the results of a fight that ends in a split-decision victory. Usually, social media is split down the middle with reasoning on why either fighter deserved the nod. However, when Bruce Buffer read the scorecards for Dhiego Lima vs Luke Jumeau, the entire MMA community shook their head in embarrassment. Now, Lima will go forward with the appeal process to earn a unanimous decision.
Lima and Jumeau had a welterweight bout at UFC 243 which resulted in confusing scorecards for all fans that viewed that matchup. For the majority of the fight, Lima was in control. Throwing powerful leg kicks and even dropping Jumeau, Lima appeared to be cruising to a dominant decision victory.
Until Bruce Buffer read the scorecards. The scores came in as a split call with (29-28, 28-29 and 29-28) scores. One judge scored the bout for Jumeau which literally had everyone confused. Even the commentators were stunned when they heard the results being read.
Speaking to Media
Lima’s manager Alex Davis, recently told the media that Team Lima plans on filing an appeal against the judge who scored the fight for Jumeau. In other words, the team wants all three judges to recognize the victory.
“Although Dhiego won, we have decided to appeal this decision,” Davis told the media. “We are asking that it be changed from split to unanimous on a question of principle. Although we are happy with Dhiego’s win, we are intrigued at how a judge could have scored the fight for Jumeau. No disrespect to Jumeau – he fought a tough fight. But a split decision does not reflect the reality of the fight. (via MMA Junkie)
Going Foward With the Appeal
Although Davis and his team are correct, an appeal to change a win into a bigger win has never been done. And, while Lima’s team deserves the unanimous decision victory, who knows what the Victoria Sport and Recreation board will decide.
Win or lose, Davis stated the main purpose of the appeal was to raise awareness. Furthermore, to find out how a judge saw it Jumeau’s way. So, even if they lose the appeal, it’s a win-win situation. They get the awareness that they wanted from the fight, and Lima still walks away with a win on his professional record.
Usually, an appeal is filed if a decision doesn’t go a fighter’s way.
Stay tuned as we keep you updated on the progress of the deal and what’s to come of it.
