News Summary
The Georgia State Athletic Commission has officially overturned the result of a controversial UFC fight between Mansur Abdul-Malik and Cody Brundage, declaring it a majority draw. Originally awarded a technical decision victory to Abdul-Malik, the commission found scoring errors that impacted the outcome. The fight ended prematurely due to an accidental clash of heads, and only the first two rounds were counted for scoring. This decision affects both fighters’ records and emphasizes the importance of accurate scoring in mixed martial arts.
Atlanta, Georgia – The Georgia State Athletic Commission has announced the overturning of a controversial fight result from the UFC card held on June 14, where Mansur Abdul-Malik and Cody Brundage faced off. Originally, Abdul-Malik was awarded a technical decision victory, marking his ninth professional win. However, that result has now been declared a majority draw due to scoring errors that came to light after a review of the bout.
The incident occurred when the fight was stopped prematurely in the third round because of an accidental clash of heads between the two fighters. Following the clash, Brundage was deemed unable to continue competing, leading the referee to call for a technical decision. Abdul-Malik, who entered the matchup as a significant favorite, was initially credited with the win under a technical decision ruling.
However, further examination revealed that the judges had erred in scoring the fight. According to Georgia state law, incomplete rounds cannot be counted towards a fighter’s score. The only completed rounds that could be considered for scoring were the first two, as the third round was ended prematurely. The commission found that among the judges’ scorecards, two had scored the fight as tied—one round each—resulting in a 28-28, 28-28, and a 29-28 in favor of Abdul-Malik. Consequently, the majority decision shifted to a draw, thus preserving Abdul-Malik’s undefeated record while preventing another loss for Brundage.
This ruling significantly impacts both fighters. Abdul-Malik retains his record without an official loss and maintains momentum as an emerging athlete within the UFC. Brundage, on the other hand, avoids a potential setback that could have counted as his second loss in just a matter of months, keeping him at a 1-2 record since the beginning of 2024.
The outcome of this fight has been met with appreciation from Team Iridium’s Lance Spaude, who acknowledged the professionalism displayed by the Georgia State Athletic Commission in addressing Brundage’s appeal. The decision to change the fight outcome to a majority draw marks a relatively rare occasion within the UFC, where the commission has overturned a result following a formal appeal process.
The June 14 UFC card featured a series of impactful bouts alongside the Abdul-Malik and Brundage encounter. The main event showcased Kamaru Usman successfully returning to the octagon after a challenging three-fight skid with a decisive victory over Joaquin Buckley. In the co-main event, former champion Rose Namajunas delivered a strong performance, adding yet another layer of excitement to the event.
This scenario highlights the critical importance of accurate scoring in mixed martial arts, as the outcomes can significantly affect a fighter’s career trajectory and public perception. It underscores the role of athletic commissions in ensuring that these decisions are just and fair, promoting integrity within the sport. The overturning of Abdul-Malik’s victory is not only a noteworthy event in the UFC landscape but also serves as a reminder of the complexities and potential pitfalls in judging fighter performances.
As the UFC continues to grow in popularity and scrutiny, it remains essential for the organizations involved to uphold standards that contribute to the sports’ overall integrity. Athletes, fans, and stakeholders alike will continue to observe how elements such as judging accuracy and commission involvement evolve in future events.
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Additional Resources
- SI.com: UFC Atlanta Fight Result Overturned
- Wikipedia: Mixed Martial Arts
- Sherdog: Georgia Commission Overturns Bout Result
- Google Search: UFC Atlanta June 14 2025
- MMA Junkie: UFC Fight Result Overturned
- Google Scholar: UFC Fight Regulation
- Yardbarker: Undefeated UFC Fighter Has Win Overturned
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mixed Martial Arts
- ESPN: UFC Fight Center
- Google News: UFC Atlanta 2025
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