Texas MMA Commission Responds to Criticism of UFC 247 Judging, Joe Rogan Claim

The Texas commission overseeing UFC 247 has responded to criticism from Joe Rogan and others about the judging at the event. The show, which took place on Saturday in Houston, drew criticism online and from Rogan over the judging of Andre Ewell vs. Jonathan Martinez, Andrea Lee vs. Lauren Murphy, and Jon Jones vs. Dominick Reyes. Rogan specifically said that one of the judges was looking at the floor during the Murphy vs. Lee fight instead of paying attention to the fight.

The Texas Department of Licensure and Regulation addressed all the concerns with a statement through commission spokesperson Tela Mange which discussed the judge selection and explained that the judge looking at the floow was actually watching a monitor:

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. 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.

“Claims have been made that a judge was not paying attention to the fight and was looking down at the floor. 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.”