Modestas Bukauskas acknowledges the role of broadcast commentators but doesn`t always agree with their perspectives. Reflecting on his recent fight at UFC 315, he found Daniel Cormier`s characterization of a razor-thin split decision as “trash” perplexing.
The seasoned light heavyweight secured a split decision win against Ion Cutelaba in Montreal. Bukauskas remained confident in the legitimacy of his victory. After rewatching the bout at home, he identified areas for future improvement but saw no justification for cries of a robbery in what was a competitive three-round contest.
“That’s trash,” Cormier stated during the live broadcast immediately after the official scores were announced. “That’s actually a very bad decision. A 30-27 for Bukauskas?”
Bukauskas holds no ill will towards Cormier for expressing his opinion. However, he is aware of the significant impact commentators can have on the audience`s perception, suggesting it played a part in the reaction to his fight.
He felt the commentary considerably shaped public opinion, especially online, leading many to simply echo what was said on the broadcast rather than forming their own views. While respecting the Hall of Famers, Bukauskas struggled to understand their strongly biased viewpoint.
“I guess everyone’s got their own opinion,” Bukauskas conceded. They are certainly entitled to it. A significant number of people also lost their betting parlays, which naturally caused dissatisfaction. It was a close fight, and you cannot satisfy everyone in this sport. My focus is simply on continuing to win. Ultimately, the official record shows a victory, and that`s what I need to keep achieving.”
To gain a full understanding of the fight`s dynamics, Bukauskas revealed he watched the bout multiple times, reviewing it both with and without the UFC commentary.
While admitting there were moments where the decision could potentially have gone in Cutelaba`s favour, Bukauskas firmly disagreed with the narrative that his opponent was unfairly judged.
“Many of my coaches and I watched with and without the audio,” Bukauskas explained. One coach noted that when viewed neutrally without commentary, the fight appeared very close, but slightly in my favour. Commentators are doing their job by analyzing, and I accept that. My goal is to deliver a performance so dominant that their viewpoint naturally shifts towards my side, and that`s perfectly fine.”
“They made it sound like a 30-27 decision for Cutelaba was expected, which frankly made no sense,” he added. “I would genuinely like to understand Daniel Cormier’s logic behind that assessment. Again, from my perspective, I will just strive for an even more decisive performance next time to remove any doubt. It`s a good learning experience.”
Feedback on the fight has been mixed, but Bukauskas recognizes that even negative comments generate engagement, which is valuable for any fighter seeking attention.
He doesn`t shy away from sparking discussion, though his own assessment of the fight`s outcome has remained consistent from leaving the octagon through his multiple rewatches.
“I posted on Instagram asking if it was the ‘biggest robbery?’, but I approached it neutrally, acknowledging it wasn`t my best performance but stating my belief that I landed the more significant strikes,” Bukauskas shared. The response was huge, which is exactly what you want!”
Regardless of the controversy, Bukauskas secured his third consecutive win and is now setting his sights on opponents within the top 15 rankings, already having a specific name in mind.
“Zhang Mingyang recently entered the top 15,” Bukauskas noted. “He had an absolutely incredible performance in his last fight. He always comes ready to fight, he`s a banger, a great guy. So why not a fight between me and him?”
“That would be my chance to break into the top 15 and an opportunity for him to solidify his position. Other potential fights are already booked. He just won, I just won, so why not? That`s my thinking right now.”
Marcus Blakely