Outrage in Shogun-Machida Decision Unwarranted in Razor-Close Fight

The final horn sounded and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua raised his hands towards the roof of the Staples Center, sure he’d just won the UFC light-heavyweight championship. The building’s 16,000 fans cheered him, ready to shower him with glory to match his new gold.

The judges’ decision, they decided, was a formality, but still they’d wait for it. And then it was read. Rua and the fans, it seemed were wrong. At least in the eyes of the three judges who mattered. Lyoto Machida was declared the winner, with 48-47 scores across the board.

The reaction was instantaneous. It was a “robbery,” a “farce,” and “ridiculous.” The audience hurled venom at Machida, the same man they’d adored a few minutes earlier, as the belt was re-strapped around his waist.

Read the entire article By Mike Chiappetta of mma.fanhouse.com here…