Loopy Godinez won her fourth fight of 2023 at UFC 295, but had to deal with a controversial scorecard from one judge that almost stalled her momentum, leading to a split decision despite a clear-cut win.
Loopy Godinez secured her fourth win of the year in 2023 with a decision over Tabatha Ricci at UFC 295. Despite her victory, the judging decision almost derailed her momentum when one judge turned in a controversial scorecard. Bryan Miner gave Ricci all three rounds for a 30-27 scorecard, while other judges Sal D’Amato and Derek Cleary both gave 29-28 scores to Godinez, resulting in a split decision in her favor.
In the aftermath, Godinez was initially unaware of the controversy, but upon watching the fight later, she realized the gravity of the situation. She emphasized, “It’s always difficult right after the fight, especially to know all the shots that were landed and what happened.” Godinez expressed surprise at the judge’s scoring, adding, “That was a scary moment. Yeah, it is [shocking]. Now that I watched the fight a few times, I’m like, I don’t know, maybe he went to the bathroom or something. I have no idea.”
Reflecting on the fight, Godinez acknowledged that Ricci managed a couple of flash knockdowns in the first and second rounds but disputed the level of damage. She stated her belief that she had won all three rounds and even questioned the validity of the knockdowns. Godinez also took some responsibility for allowing the fight to remain close but found it hard to fathom a 30-27 Ricci scorecard.
Despite the controversy, Godinez did not dwell on the contentious scoring and instead focused on her win. While discussing her obliviousness to setting records, Godinez said, “I didn’t know until after. I guess I’m setting records by accident. Because I’m not meaning to make any records, I just love the sport, I love what I do. I show up and fight and these great things happen.”