Overview
- Aliev defeated Mike Davis by unanimous decision after a wrestling-heavy performance that included eight takedowns and about 12 minutes of top control, with all three judges scoring the fight 30-27.
- Following the loss on Saturday, Davis posted a viral social-media rant that used homophobic language, called Aliev the worst opponent he had faced and urged the promotion to cut him.
- Hours after the rant went viral, Davis issued a public apology directly to Aliev, calling his own behavior unacceptable while still criticizing the match style.
- Davis is unlikely to be released immediately because he recently signed a four-fight deal, so the incident is expected to affect his standing and urgency to win future fights more than his contract status.
- Commentators and former fighters have used the episode to question the UFC’s emphasis on finishes, the structure of finish bonuses, and perceived promotional double standards for fighters who win by control rather than by stoppage.