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Daniel Cormier Slams Controversial Decision at UFC 315 as Tom Aspinall's Training Partner Takes an Unlikely Victory

2025-05-11

Author: Liam

UFC 315 shook up the fighting world with a major judging scandal that had fans and fighters alike scratching their heads.

The action kicked off in Quebec, Canada, with a wild night filled with shocking moments. Conor McGregor's teammate faced a swift KO, taking just 64 seconds to fall to Bekzat Almakhan. The night only intensified as Bruno Silva was carried out on a stretcher following a devastating faceplant KO from Marc-André Barriault.

Daniel Cormier Unleashes Fury Over Decision

The tension reached a boiling point during the light heavyweight clash between Modestas Bukauskas and Ion Cuțelaba. After a closely contested fight that had fans on the edge of their seats, it went to the judges, and what they decided left UFC legends Daniel Cormier and Dominick Cruz in disbelief.

Despite Cruz's belief that Cuțelaba had done enough to score the win after outstriking Bukauskas in the first half, the judges had a different opinion.

In a shocking twist, Bukauskas—who trains with interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall—walked away with a controversial split decision victory, with scorecards reading 30-27, 29-28, and 27-30. Cormier was relentless in his criticism, labeling the decision as 'trash' and questioning how one judge scored it a clean sweep for Bukauskas.

"That’s trash. That’s actually a very bad decision," Cormier fumed on commentary. "I thought Cuțelaba lost round three, but that was the only round I thought he lost. I don’t understand how they are watching two different fights."

In a pointed jab, Cormier also questioned the credibility of judge Pasquale Procopio, prompting Cruz to suggest that judges’ identities should be displayed for accountability.

What Lies Ahead for Modestas Bukauskas?

As the dust settles, Bukauskas is on the rise in the light heavyweight division, seeking to break into the rankings. After suffering a career-threatening leg injury from Khalil Rountree Jr. in 2021, which put him on a three-fight losing streak, Bukauskas has made a stunning comeback. He rebounded with two wins in Cage Warriors before being re-signed by the UFC, where he has since gone 5-1.

Now riding a three-fight winning streak, Bukauskas aims to face a ranked opponent next, hoping to prove himself amidst the controversy of his recent victory.