Nam Phan says loss to Garcia is almost a blessing in disguise, receives his win bonus from the UFC
“Ultimate Fighter” season twelve cast member, Nam Phan has been speaking about the travesty that occurred in Las Vegas this weekend when he took on Leonard Garcia at 145 pounds, explaining despite the disappointment of the situation it might end up being a blessing in disguise.
Speaking via MMAFighting.com, Phan said:
“It’s almost a blessing in disguise. It almost made me more popular. I really appreciate the support from the MMA community, especially the UFC and Dana White. Everyone from the UFC had my back, and I really appreciate that. Dana White came by backstage and told me, ‘You’re getting your win bonus because you won that fight.’ I thought business is business, and I just thought if I lost, I lost, and I would only get my base pay. That’s how it usually goes. But the UFC – Dana White takes care of the fighters. I really appreciate that.”
“I thought I won all three rounds. There’s no way he should’ve beat me anywhere. I was (trying to figure out and) I couldn’t find it. I watched it from an unbiased standpoint. It was lopsided. I guess that’s the only thing – it’s very cosmetic, very superficial punches. I think it looked good, but he looked tired and sloppy. I guess the only way they could sway it to his advantage is if he was accurate. But it felt like he missed 90 percent of his punches. I feel like every time I threw, it landed.”
“Internally, I’m thinking (at the time) this is such BS. How in the world was it a split decision? I’ve been in a situation where I think I got robbed before. I think I’ve matured a lot in this sport as an adult and as an athlete. I really keep my composure very well. More than anything, I was just more confused. I don’t feel too bad. The whole Asian community and the MMA community thought I won. I think Leonard and (Garcia coach) Greg Jackson think I won. In the end, I got my win bonus and Fight of the Night, and Dana White and the UFC thought I won. In the end, it wasn’t too bad.”
Phan was one of the most experienced fighters heading in to the reality show earlier this summer after competing for Sengoku and Strikeforce in the past. Will he now stake a claim for a shot at the 145 pound title and put behind him this terrible instance of officiating? Tell us what you think…
By Michael Pepper. (Follow me on Twitter)
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