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sports15h ago
‘She faked passing out’: Pros react to controversial Dione Barbosa soccer kick of Melissa Gatto at UFC Vegas 115
Sports.yahoo.com and 1 more
- Barbosa defeated Melissa Gatto by majority decision at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas, after a controversial second-round soccer kick sparked debate over grounding rules and officiating.
- Officials allowed the bout to continue with Barbosa penalized by a one-point deduction, amid questions about whether Gatto's knees were touching the mat when the kick landed.
- Social media reactions were polarized, with some UFC voices defending Barbosa while others accused Gatto of simulating a reaction.
- The incident occurred at UFC Fight Night at Meta APEX in Las Vegas on April 4, 2026, drawing attention to live officiating decisions.
- The refereeing decision to permit the fight to continue after a predicted disqualification fueled broader scrutiny of grounding rules and penalties for illegal strikes.
- The bout became one of UFC Vegas 115's most notable sequences, contributing to lasting coverage and discussion of controversial moments.
- New reference context shows Barbosa delivered a clearly illegal soccer kick that connected with Gatto's chin before the fight proceeded under a point deduction.
- The new reference notes the kick’s reverberation and Gatto appearing briefly unconscious, followed by a prolonged video review before a ruling was made.
- Medical staff were involved in the post-kick assessment, contributing to the decision to let the bout continue after evaluation.
- The new reference provides explicit context about Barbosa’s post-kick control and grappling to maintain momentum through the remainder of the fight.
- Overall scoreline and outcome remained 28-28, 29-27, and 29-27, resulting in Barbosa's majority decision win despite the controversy.
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