Road to UFC result instantly overturned backstage after legal strike led to a baffling No Contest

It did not take long for a major controversy to be rectified at Friday’s event ahead of UFC Macau.

Before Song Yadong vs Deiveson Figueiredo headlines the UFC card at the Galaxy Arena on Saturday, the same venue has been playing host to some of Asia’s top prospects.

The Road to UFC tournament returned to screens on Thursday and Friday, as some of the region’s most highly touted up-and-comers battled for a contract in MMA’s leading promotion.

With so much at stake, there was uproar during day two when a horrific officiating decision almost cost one fighter her place in the semifinals.

Farida Abdueva’s legal punch to the eye was originally ruled a No Contest at Road to UFC: Macau

As part of the Road to UFC women’s strawweight tournament, 22-year-old Farida Abdueva faced 24-year-old Xiaocan Feng.

The bout lasted just two minutes, after referee Lukasz Bosacki stepped in when Feng was left clutching her eye following an exchange.

Replays showed a punch had caused the damage, from which she was unable to continue.

To the shock and frustration of many, the result was announced as a No Contest. Fans online immediately questioned the verdict.

“They have to overturn that result. That’s crazy.”

“One of the worst calls I’ve ever seen…clearly not an eye poke.”

“That ref has gotta go.”

“Fist is clearly closed on the replay, it’s unreal that all those people at cageside can’t see it.”

“That was a punch for sure.”

“Ref needs to be investigated but we will see him tomorrow for UFC Macau.”

“That’s a TKO win for Abdueva.”