Tai Tuivasa vs Jairzinho Rozenstruik: Controversy explodes at UFC 305 as judge is axed on the spot over ‘worst ever’ disaster – and a star is choked unconscious in frightening scenes

Australian heavyweight Tai Tuivasa has sunk to his fifth straight defeat after losing to Jairzinho Rozenstruik by split decision at UFC 305 in Perth – but one judge’s scorecard stole the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Tuivasa got pummelled in the second round of Sunday’s battle at a sold-out RAC Arena, but judge Howie Booth left fight fans shocked and angered as he scored the three-round bout 30-27 to the Australian.

The other two judges scored the bout 30-27 and 29-28 to Rozenstruik, meaning Tuivasa hasn’t tasted victory in the octagon since February 2022.

Booth was then axed from the judging panel for another fight on the card, Steve Erceg vs Kai Kara-France. 

Fans erupted on social media after the scorecards were read out.

’30-27 for Tai Tuivasa might be one of the worst scorecards ever recorded. Fire that judge immediately,’ wrote one.

’30-27 in favor of Tai!? Judge Howie Booth should be fired!’ added another.

MMA reporter Mike Bohn wrote, ’30-27 scorecard for Tai Tuivasa. That’s totally insane.’

It was obvious to fight fans that Tai Tuivasa (left) lost his UFC 305 bout with Jairzinho Rozenstruik (right) – but one judge saw it very differently… and lost his job as a result 

Tuivasa (right) was blasted in the second round and couldn’t score a late knockout

Many fans agreed with every word of this tweet after judge Howie Booth scored the fight for Tuivasa, 30-27

Another fight fan said Booth’s effort ‘might be the worst scorecard of all time in the UFC’. 

In a bid to end the rot, Tuivasa had flown to Dubai to train for his latest fight, hoping the change in scenery would help him escape distractions such as his friends and the pub.

The opening round was a subdued affair, with neither fighter able to land any rattling blows.

The second round exploded to life with two minutes remaining when Rozenstruik pounced after Tuivasa hurt his leg while kicking.

Rozenstruik landed a series of heavy blows to leave Tuivasa bloodied and fighting for survival, but the Australian managed to swing back a few times to ensure he made it to the bell.

Australia’s Stewart Nicoll looked lifeless on the mat (pictured) on the UFC 305 undercard when he was choked unconscious by Jesus Aguilar

Aguilar (left) showed great sportsmanship as he manipulated Nicoll’s legs to get blood to move back to his head in scary scenes immediately following his win

Tuivasa copped some more lusty blows in the third round, and his late flurry of punches in an attempt to score a knockout fell well short.

There was a sickening moment in a fight on the undercard when Australia’s Stewart Nicoll was left unconscious after being choked out by Jesus Aguilar in the first round.

The Mexican’s guillotine choke was incredibly effective but the referee didn’t detect how badly the Aussie was struggling until Aguilar alerted him.

‘He’s out, he’s sleeping!’ came the call from the American commentators as Aguilar got off Nicoll, who looked lifeless on the floor of the Octagon.

Aguilar then showed great sportsmanship to grab his opponent’s legs and start pumping them back and forth in an attempt to get blood to return to his head.

Nicoll quickly recovered and was able to stand and congratulate his rival on the win before they left the Octagon.