Texas commission responds to UFC 247 judging backlash, claim by Joe Rogan

Controversial judging has been the overriding theme coming out of UFC 247 this past Saturday in Houston.

Three bouts – Andre Ewell vs. Jonathan Martinez, Andrea Lee vs. Lauren Murphy, and Jon Jones vs. Dominick Reyes – all had viewers complaining about varying levels of controversy.

On Monday, the Texas Department of Licensure and Regulation, which oversees regulation of mixed martial arts events in Texas, issued a statement to MMA Junkie in response to the backlash.

“As in all athletic events, athletes, teams, judges, fans and media representatives can – and often do – have differing opinions about what happened in a combative sports match,” commission spokesperson Tela Mange said. “TDLR applauds the passion everyone is exhibiting about this sport. Comments have been made about the selection of the judges and the referees. In selecting ringside officials, TDLR takes into consideration recommendations made by UFC. As with all events, TDLR works closely with UFC and other promoters to ensure the quality and experience of referees and judges to protect the health and safety of the fighters.”

Chief among UFC 247 judging critics was UFC commentator Joe Rogan. The comedian and longtime UFC color commentator ripped the judging throughout the broadcast, at one point calling it “criminal.” He also said it was “insane” that judge Joe Soliz scored the main event 49-46 in favor of Jones.

During the preliminary card bout between Murphy and Lee, Rogan claimed one of the judges was looking at the floor instead of the fight, which fueled criticism from fellow commentator Dominick Cruz and play-by-play man Jon Anik.

TDLR attempted to clarify what was going on during the sequence Rogan referenced.

“Claims have been made that a judge was not paying attention to the fight and was looking down at the floor,” Mange said. “One of the advances that UFC has made in the past several years has been to provide small video monitors below the floor level of the octagon for each judge to more closely monitor matches.”

UFC 247 took place Saturday at Toyota Center. The main card aired on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.