UFC Makes Ruling On Erick Silva's UFC 142 Disqualification

[No More Sorrow]

Erick Silva's controversial disqualification loss to fellow Brazilian welterweight Carlo Prater at UFC 142 won't be overturned.

UFC Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner today issued a statement regarding the fight.

In it, he stated the referee's verbal warning and his determination that the blows were intentional leave him unable to overturn the decision.

Silva (13-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC), who rocked Prater (30-10-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) with a knee before unloading the illegal blows just 29 seconds into the fight, ultimately suffered a DQ loss at the event, which took place Jan. 14 at HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro. It was one of five main-card bouts that aired live on pay-per-view.

"Based on the referee's verbal warnings and his determination that the blows were intentional and a disqualifying foul, this is not the type of decision that can be reviewed," Ratner stated. "Therefore, the decision stands.

"Recently, Zuffa has decided to implement the use of instant replay at all international events that are self-regulated, and to encourage all regulators to consider the feasibility and effectiveness of instant replay in the sport of MMA. While instant replay would not have reversed the call in the Silva-Prater bout, we believe that it could be valuable to referees and the sport in the future."

Despite the loss, Silva was awarded his "win" bonus. (Because the UFC acts as its own regulatory body for events in Brazil, official fighter paydays were not disclosed, so the amount of the win bonus isn't known.)

After the fight, referee Mario Yamasaki told UFC commentator Joe Rogan that he made the ruling due to Silva landing strikes to the back of the head, which are illegal under the unified rules of MMA. Replays of the stoppage appeared to show only one strike landing illegally.

Earlier this week, Silva's manager, Wallid Ismail, told MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) they planned to appeal the decision.

"Erick didn't lose the fight," Ismail said. "No way he lost the fight."

I feel bad for the guy, at least Dana White knows he didn't lose that fight hence why he got the fight bonus for the fight even after getting DQ'd. Still pretty shitty though, especially when it should easily be overturned.

 

[Slim]

Well with warnings its hard. Like I looked back at the Jon Jones fight against Hamill... that should have been overturned. There was no warning... well he was docked a point but since Hamill couldn't continue it was ruled a loss.

But this should have been his win for sure.