Bruno Silva’s Appeal Rejected: Loss to Chris Weidman Upheld by NJ Athletic Board

Bruno Silva’s appeal to overturn the loss in his fight against Chris Weidman was denied by the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board.

Silva’s manager, Bernardo Serale, communicated the outcome to MMA Fighting’s Guilherme Cruz, following the commission’s decision to maintain the original result of the fight. Silva had sought to change the technical decision due to eye pokes that influenced the fight’s outcome at UFC Atlantic City.

The fight ended in a technical knockout (TKO) after Weidman unleashed a series of punches when Silva dropped to the canvas during an exchange. However, replays indicated that Silva’s fall was caused by a pair of eye pokes, which the referee, Gary Copeland, did not recognize in time.

As a result, the officials reviewed the footage and opted to use the judges’ scorecards to decide the fight, ultimately declaring Weidman the winner by technical decision since he was ahead on all the cards.

Silva, upset by the decision, filed an appeal, hoping to have the fight result changed to a no-contest, arguing that the illegal eye pokes directly led to the stoppage in the third round.

Silva expressed his disbelief and frustration, stating he was initially confused and angered upon seeing Weidman celebrate, as he had never been knocked out in his career. He had to control his anger to avoid actions that could negatively impact his career.

Despite Silva’s argument and the clear impact of the eye pokes, the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board upheld the original fight result, leaving the loss on Silva’s record intact. Silva’s feelings about the decision remain strong, but the official outcome from that night in Atlantic City stands.