Kertesz after a controversial loss: It’s not a good result for the organization, the sport or Velickovic. What did the promoter Novotný say?

Sad fact. After a successful OKTAGON Prime 5 tournament, there are heated discussions, especially about the result of the main match. Bojan Velickovic defeated Mate Kertesz on points, which did not only displease the Hungarian fighter, but also the fans. Promoter Ondřej Novotný also spoke out.

The main match of the OKTAGON Prime 5 tournament lived up to its status. Bojan Velickovic and Mate Kertesz put on a great and evenly matched battle, but the Hungarian fighter was slightly more dominant. The Serbian fighter was the favourite.

All the judges scored all three rounds equally, however, the promoter Ondrej Novotny, commenting on the fight, saw Kertesz winning. He was not the only one who was surprised when the result was announced. The fans started booing, even Velickovic was surprised by the result.

At the press conference, he ranked the match among the three toughest and most difficult fights he has experienced in his career. At the same time, he has UFC experience, even beating Jiri Prochazka in the past. In short, a great calling card for the Hungarian fighter.

Kertesz was the one who was even more mild in his post-fight interview in the cage, he didn’t say much in his disappointment. However, he was more forthcoming at the press conference:: ‘Everyone heard the crowd after the result was announced. I stuck to my plan, I worked hard before the fight. I think the result is not only good for the sport, but also for the organization or Bojan. It is what it is. The referees somehow made a decision and I gave it my all.”

Novotny responded to Kertesz’s comments by saying that the day before the tournament, the referees had received an eight-hour training session on scoring and how to judge different situations. He said the Octagon does its best to have the best possible judges.

“We have referees that used to be at the biggest UFC tournaments or the world amateur championships. They all saw the fight the same way, they saw Bojan win based on more hardness and damage. When we look at the footage, we’ll definitely be able to find both a Bojan win and a Mate win,” Novotny let slip.

Additionally, the Octagon promoter noted that the scoring is still evolving. He understands how tough it must be for Kertesz, he also stated that due to two close losses on points, Velickovic did not get a new contract in the UFC. He said it had nothing to do with the judges or the organization.

Source: Octagon MMA