"Those three judges should have had to come before a hearing" - Chael Sonnen looks back at controversial Evander Holyfield vs. Lennox Lewis draw in light of Sean O'Malley vs. Petr Yan
Chael Sonnen has taken a look back at some of the most astounding judges' decisions in combat sports history following the controversy at last weekend's UFC 280.
The controversy unfolded after Bruce Buffer announced Sean O'Malley as the winner of his fight versus Petr Yan. Boos erupted when the verdict was read, and many UFC fighters also commented on the decision.
The impact that judges' decisions can have on a fighter's career has been a hot topic since the pay-per-view on October 22. Chael Sonnen took it upon himself to revisit some of the worst judges' decisions in combat sports, starting with Lennox Lewis vs. Evander Holyfield in 1999.
The fight between the two heavyweight legends was competitive, but Lewis clearly dominated most of the fight. Remarkably, one judge scored the bout 115-113 in favor of Holyfield. Another judge scored it an even 115-115, while the final judge had the contest 116-113 in favor of Lewis.
Here's what 'The American Gangster' had to say about that decision:
"The night that Lennox Lewis and Evander [Holyfield] was a draw, those three judges should have had to come before a hearing. I can't go any further than that. The only reason I come to that is because they are licensed through a commission."
Watch the video below from 2:30:
Chael Sonnen says it's time to congratulate Sean O'Malley
Chael Sonnen has been quietly observing the aftermath of the controversial split-decision victory for Sean O'Malley over Petr Yan at UFC 280. 'The American Gangster' pointed out that everyone has been focused on the decision itself, which Sonnen has no problem with.
However, after hearing that O'Malley now occupies the No.1 spot in the bantamweight rankings, Sonnen has called out to fans and the media to congratulate 'Sugar'.
Chael Sonnen recently released a video discussing the fallout of the decision and said this:
"Is it time to congratulate 'Sugar' Sean? I'd like an answer to that. 'Cause nobody's told him, 'Good job!' There isn't one article out there that's told him, 'Good job!' You guys watching this right now, you have Instagram, Facebook and Twitter... have you gone on there and sent out a message?"
Watch the video below from 1:20: