Merab Dvalishvili’s manager recently said that the UFC star may file an appeal after a controversial loss to Ricky Simon on the preliminary card of UFC Fight Night Atlantic City.
The appeal had been filed by Dvalishvili and his team to the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board (NJSACB) and they have denied the fighter’s appeal.
“I do not find that (referee Liam) Kerrigan committed a self-evident and palpable error, or even any error which comes close to that standard,” NJSACB Commissioner Larry Hazzard wrote in a latter sent to Dvalishvili’s manager in Matt Culleywhich, which was obtained by MMA Junkie. “Solely because a decision is disputed does not make such facially incorrect.”
For those who didn’t see the fight, referee Liam Kelligan declared that Dvalishvili was out from a Simon guillotine choke as the bell sounded to end the third round of the fight. Kerrigan then consulted with veteran referee Marc Goddard before awarding Simon the win via third round TKO.
Hazzard even decided to break down the physics of the guillotine choke that Simon had Dvalishvili locked in during their fight.
“Many have referred to the apparent submission as a mounted guillotine choke, but to cageside lead ringside physician for the event, Dr. Michael Kelly, and also referee John McCarthy, it was more akin to a neck crank or a one sided choke,” Hazzard wrote. “This would cause only one side of Dvalishvili’s neck to have limited blood flow to the brain. Further, this one sided choke would result in a slower time to unconsciousness and also a faster recovery when released. Most notably, it is medically feasible to go unconscious from this position. This would explain a sudden loss of consciousness given the prior minute’s situation followed by a split second regaining of consciousness. Please be reminded that we do not need multiple seconds of unconsciousness. Also note that it is common for a contestant to have a momentary loss of consciousness but no recollection of such.”
Dvalishvili remains winless thus far during his UFC tenure, with the other loss coming to Frankie Saenz at UFC Fight Night Fresno.
