During the UFC 314 main event featuring Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes, commentator Jon Anik believed Volkanovski was ahead 3-0 after the third round. This opinion was not shared by everyone present.
Anik, leading the commentary team with Daniel Cormier and Joe Rogan, voiced his scorecard assessment at the pay-per-view event where Volkanovski ultimately defended his featherweight title. Following the fight, Rogan joked that matchmaker Sean Shelby should be “drug tested” due to disagreement with Anik`s early round scoring. Anik discussed the background of this reaction.
“Towards the end of the 3rd round, I mentioned on air that Diego Lopes needed to take action as he was likely down 3-0,” Anik explained. “I wasn`t immediately aware of Sean Shelby`s reaction, but Daniel Cormier pointed it out. I then saw Maynard and Shelby looking at me as if I was incompetent, but I stand by my observations.”
“Upon reviewing Round 4, I may have been too critical of judge Sal D’Amato. However, at the time, Shelby seemed to believe Diego Lopes was winning 2-1, which I respectfully disagree with.”
Volkanovski secured victory with two scores of 49-46 and one of 48-47. Despite being dropped in the second round and absorbing a strong punch in the fourth, “The Great” displayed dominant performance for most of the fight.
After re-examining the fight, Anik understands arguments for a clean sweep victory for Volkanovski, even considering Lopes` significant moments.
“After rewatching and analyzing the scoring, a 50-45 score for Volkanovski is justifiable,” Anik stated. “Interestingly, Diego Lopes landed the most impactful punch in Round 4, yet didn`t capitalize on it. Volkanovski, however, landed twice as many strikes in that round.”
“I can now see why Sal D’Amato scored that round for Volkanovski. But it raises the question: if a fighter lands the biggest punch and comes close to a finish, shouldn`t that round be theirs?”
“Ultimately, I scored rounds 1, 2, 3, and 5 for Volkanovski.”
