UFC judging controversy: Veteran wants FBI to investigate Marlon Vera vs. Cory Sandhagen, levies heavy accusation on officials

UFC San Antonio's main event clash, Marlon Vera vs. Cory Sandhagen, was the latest victim of the sport's lingering poor judging challenge. The MMA community was left fuming at the split decision scorecards considering the clinical performance that Sandhagen displayed.

Disgruntled fans and fighters took to social media to vent their frustration. Vera had his moments in rounds 3 and 5, but they were few and far between. Even though Vera showed some promise in rounds 3 and 5, his effectiveness was limited by Cory Sandhagen's movement.

While the two experienced judges had Sandhagen winning decisively, Joel Ojeda, an inexperienced judge, awarded the bout to 'Chito' with a score of 48-47. This was Ojeda's first time judging a UFC card, and the main event was his fourth bout in the organization overall.

Top-ranked UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns recently spoke to TMZ Sports about Ojeda's controversial scoring and levied heavy accusations on the judges:

"I think this judge needs to be investigated. We need the FBI on this judge. Those jjudgesmight be working with the betting company."

Burns added:

"Chito's my guy and I want him to win, but, theres no way he won that fight. It's clear to anyone. What's wrong with that judge?"

Catch Burns' comments below:

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Marlon Vera vs. Cory Sandhagen: Dana White shocked by the controversial scoring in the main event of UFC San Antonio

At UFC San Antonio, Cory Sandhagen outstruck Marlon Vera, 187 to 73, according to official statistics. Sandhagen was also credited with three takedowns, resulting in nearly seven minutes of control time.

While all of this should have been enough for Sandhagen to get his hand raised by unanimous decision, judge Joel Ojeda scored the fight in favor of Vera.

Dana White reacted to the controversial decision in the post-fight media interview, stating:

“I was literally coming out of the bathroom and I was like, ‘What the f**k? It could have been 5-0, it could have been [4 rounds to 1], but [split decision]? Wow, that’s pretty scary.”

TMZ Sports has contacted the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation, which is responsible for the state's judges. TDLR said they are aware of the issues over scoring in one of the fights at UFC San Antonio. They claimed that each TDLR officer receives regular training, and each bout is monitored for consistency and precision of scoring.

In response to TMZ Sports follow-up inquiry as to whether the judge was under investigation, TDLR stated that they do not comment on individual judges but that they do review performance after each event.