At UFC Fight Night: Dos Anjos vs. Fiziev, Michael Johnson and Cortney Casey both suffered a split decision defeats in their respective matches. Casey lost to Antonina Shevchenko, while Johnson lost to Jamie Mullarkey.
The two sportsmen were disappointed with the choice and vented their frustration online.
Casey expressed her disappointment with the result of her match in a tweet. She also said that Johnson had also been treated unfairly by the judges.
Casey tweeted: “Im upset about my decision but @Menace155 should be livid @danawhite @seanshelby #UFCVegas58”
Im upest about my decision but @Menace155 should be livid @danawhite @seanshelby #UFCVegas58
— Cortney Casey (@CastIron_Casey) July 10, 2022
In response to her tweet, Johnson said that the judges weren’t fully focused on the bouts.
Had that 29-28 Johnson. Great fight but I thought MJ won.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 10, 2022
He tweeted: “Yes I am! Keep you’re head up also. I’m convinced they don’t even watch the fights! Would love to see pics of them not paying attention.”
Yes I am! Keep you’re head up also. I’m convinced they don’t even watch the fights! Would love to see pics of them not paying attention. https://t.co/Iq2ILcBHhP
— Michael Johnson (@Menace155) July 10, 2022
The two split-decision outcomes from the July fights didn’t exactly please MMA fans. Many people criticized the judges for their ratings while praising Johnson and Casey in tweets.
@ufc owes Michael Johnson an explanation. That’s the biggest robbery I have ever seen. Outsruck him and dropped him pic.twitter.com/YutLN4QN7S
— Mike Franzese (@MikeFranzese17) July 10, 2022
One user praised Johnson as the legitimate winner over Mullarkey.
“You won MJ [Michael Johnson]. Disgraceful s**t by UFC judges.”
You won MJ. Disgraceful shit by #UFC judges. #UFCVegas58 pic.twitter.com/OCiqGI4klZ
— NarrativechangedKobekapMotaMillaInner (@Darealgrappler) July 10, 2022
Another tweeted: “they should get rid of “win bonuses” and just give you guys the whole thing up front if the judging is gonna be this consistently bad”
“Judges should be held more accountable it’s becoming a huge issue now.”
Judges should be held more accountable it's becoming a huge issue now.
— Pedro (@PedroGak) July 10, 2022
In his professional MMA career, Michael Johnson has had better times. Johnson has defeated elite competitors like Tony Ferguson, Edson Barboza, and Dustin Poirier at his peak.
Casey 29-28 or we riot
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 10, 2022
Casey did way more damage in the first. 29-28 Casey. HDOW robbed again.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 10, 2022
The experienced MMA fighter is now through a difficult time in his career. Johnson has lost five of his previous six bouts, the most recent one being at UFC Vegas 58. And is in a dire financial situation.
Johnson displayed a hint of his former self in his last fight against Alan Patrick in May 2022. He won by spectacular knockout in the second round. He also ended a four-fight losing streak in the organization with the victory.
The 36-year-old seemed to be able to gather some momentum and string together a few victories. However, the most recent defeat against Mullarkey dashed all those hopes.