'Big' John McCarthy Admonishes Referee Gary Copeland For 'Preferential Treatment' To Chris Weidman In Bruno Silva Fight: 'I Don't Care That You're In New Jersey ...'

Originally posted on MMA News | By Kyle Dimond | Last updated 4/1/24

Chris Weidman recorded one of the most controversial wins in the UFC in recent times this past weekend.

In Atlantic City, the former UFC middleweight champion won a technical decision against Brazil's Bruno Silva.

The focus was unfortunately all on the several eye pokes that played a significant part in the fight due to Weidman extending his fingers throughout the contest.

After Silva hit the canvas in the third round, referee Gary Copeland initially waved the fight off to declare Weidman the winner via TKO.

The result was then changed to a technical decision because of an eye poke leading to the closing seconds of the bout after compromising Silva's vision once again.

Weidman got his hand raised either way but some feel like the emphasis on the criticism of this fight and result should fall on the shoulders of the third man inside the cage.

'Big' John McCarthy Says Gary Copeland Failed To Prevent Chris Weidman From Fouling

When it comes to the rules and regulations of MMA, there's not many better to listen to than former referee turned commentator, "Big" John McCarthy.

McCarthy gave his thoughts on the fight during the latest episode of the Weighing In podcast where he criticized Copeland's decision-making in the fight.

He spoke at length about how your decision-making as an official, just like with a fighter, can deteriorate over time.

McCarthy believes that the crucial mistake made in this fight was the official's failure to warn and prevent Weidman from extending his fingers even after several significant eye pokes.

"When you get there, you want to do it because you feel like you're part of something and it's awesome to be there and I totally understand that. But in this situation, when Gary Copeland has Chris Weidman who is putting his fingers out Josh, he's extending his fingers out like it's a pitchfork, you need to address that as the official. I don't care that you're in New Jersey where Chris Weidman is a hero.

"I'm being honest, I wanted Chris Weidman to win this fight, I think you wanted Chris Weidman to win this fight but I can't have Chris Weidman getting preferential treatment as far as you're the one that's creating this problem. Instead of just saying 'oh, it's an eye poke, let me get him a towel' and stuff like that, you need to address the problem and make sure the individual who is creating the problem doesn't do it anymore. Well, he did do it more."

This article first appeared on MMA News and was syndicated with permission.

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