NYSAC releases official statement regarding in-ring changes made to score in widely criticised scene at UFC 281

The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) has clarified the confusing scorecard fiasco after the Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Silvana Gómez Juárez bout.

Kowalkiewicz edged Juárez via a unanimous decision in their women's strawweight showdown on the preliminary card of UFC 281. However, her win came with some controversy as members of the commission worked to get the scorecards right, causing a lengthy delay to the official announcement.

Watch Karolina Kowalkiewicz's reaction to the decision:

One commissioner was seen scribbling on the scorecard as Bruce Buffer watched. The UFC broadcast team criticized the confusing scene, with Daniel Cormier pointing out that the officials were "flipping the scorecards."

Two days removed from the event, NYSAC spokesperson Mercedes Padilla explained that their decision was ultimately correct. Padilla explained that the delay was caused by an error in the tabulation.

In a statement obtained by MMA Junkie, the NYSAC explained:

“The official result announced in the ring at the conclusion of the Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Silvana Gomez Juarez bout during UFC 281 was correct; Karolina Kowalkiewicz won by Unanimous Decision. The adjustment made just prior to Bruce Buffer’s announcement of the result corrected an initial transcription error made on the consolidated tally sheet. The New York State Athletic Commission staff quickly identified the error, and acted promptly to correct it before the final results were announced.”

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Karolina Kowalkiewicz reacts to NYSAC scorecard drama at UFC 281

Karolina Kowalkiewicz admitted that the scorecard debacle after her fight had her worried.

The 37-year-old Polish fighter claimed that she was confident she had done enough to secure the victory. However, the delay in the announcement of the official decision reminded her of how some judges could render questionable decisions at times.

With that in mind, Kowalkiewicz revealed that, for a brief moment, she was a little scared things wouldn't go her way. During her UFC 281 post-fight press conference, Kowalkiewicz told media members:

"I didn't know what was going on. I was sure that I won this fight, but you know, sometimes judges see these things different and I was a little bit scared. But thank God I won."

Check out Karolina Kowalkiewicz's interview in the clip below: