UFC star left a bloody mess thanks to vicious knee from Sean O’Malley at UFC 280
Petr Yan was left covered in blood in his defeat to Sean O'Malley at UFC 280.
The former bantamweight champion was busted open by a brutal knee which connected with his right cheek, with crimson immediately pouring down his face. With only three minutes to go in the three-round fight, Yan was able to make it to the buzzer.
But it was 11th-ranked O'Malley who was awarded a split-decision victory over the top contender, a result which divided UFC fans. Many felt Yan had done enough to take it.
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Most had it scored at a round apiece heading into the third and final five minutes, when O'Malley landed two knee strikes in quick succession, including the best shot of the bout.
But Russian Yan coped well and rocked his American opponent with a big right hand, as well as pulling off some well-timed takedowns. That wasn't enough in the eyes of two of the judges, though.
Does O'Malley deserve a shot at the bantamweight title? Let us know in the comments section.
Aside from countless fans labelling it a "robbery", fellow fighters also called out the decision. Light-heavyweight Dominic Reyes tweeted: "Tomorrow everyone forgets and Yan still loses half his paycheck."
Aleksandar Rakic, another light-heavyweight, added: "I feel sorry for Petr Yan, this guy got robber the second time in a row."
And Conor McGregor's training partner Dillon Danis commented: "Someone call the cops Petr Yan just got robbed in Abu Dhabi."
Suga Sean was convinced he'd won, though, declaring his interest in a title fight. "I think people want to see me fight for the bantamweight title. So let's give the people what they want," said O'Malley.
Champion Aljamain Sterling, who beat Yan earlier this year in an equally controversial contest, retained his title in the co-main event, stopping TJ Dillashaw in the second round.
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