Dana White goes nuclear on judge over ‘insane’ Paulo Costa scorecard

UFC president Dana White has gone scorched earth on a judge over a highly questionable scorecard during the co-main event on Sunday.

UFC President Dana White has torn shreds off a judge over an extremely questionable scorecard during the co-main event of UFC 302.

Former middleweight champion Sean Strickland had his hand raised after a five-round showdown against Paulo Costa.

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While most fans watching on believed Strickland had done more than enough to secure a unanimous decision victory, one judge saw it differently.

As Bruce Buffer read out the scorecards, Strickland was left perplexed and threw his hands in the arm out of anger over one card.

Judge Dave Tirelli scored the bout 49-46 in favour of the Brazilian fighter. His card was in stark contrast to his fellow judges who had it 49-46 and 50-45 to Strickland.

White didn’t bite his tongue when he was asked about the obscure scorecard during his press conference debrief.

“There were some weirdos (who) were f***ing nuts, that’s what it was. Insane,” he said.

“That guy should never ref a big fight again! They should kick him back to the minor leagues and let him work on his judging. It’s unbelievable.”

Watch the UFC boss’ expletive explosion in the video player above

White questioned the sanity of anyone who watched the co-main event and scored the fight in favour of Paulo Costa.

“I mean, how anybody who isn’t an absolute f***ing lunatic could call that fight a split decision. I don’t even know what to say about that, it’s insane.”

Dana White blows up over judges card

White wasn’t the only left enraged by Tirelli’s scorecard with UFC fans blowing up after the announcement.

MMA writer Aaron Bronsteter wrote: “I can find a reason to rationalise most scorecards submitted by the judges, but 49-46 Costa is indefensible.”

MMA writer Mike Bohn wrote: “49-46 Costa is criminal. Holy sh*t.”

MMA Fighting editor Damon Martin wrote: “He just scored Paulo Costa winning 49-46. Seriously get him out of the building.”

Strickland won but one judge didn’t think so. Luke Hales/Getty Images/AFP.

The scorecard chaos wasn’t the only moment of madness on the night as former USA President Donald Trump arrived to sit cageside.

The convicted felon stole the show at the star-studded event when he walked out in front of more than 15,000 fans inside the Prudential Centre in Newark, New Jersey.

It was only 48 hours previous that the 77-year-old was found guilty on all 34 counts in his New York hush money trial.

Despite all this, Trump appeared more popular than ever as he made his walk in front of screaming fans.

Walking alongside UFC boss Dana White, Trump shook hands with spectators and posed for photos.

As he reached the cage he turned and threw his hands in the air as the crowd went even wilder.

Originally published as Dana White goes nuclear on judge over ‘insane’ Paulo Costa scorecard