Scorecards! Dan Hooker edges Jalin Turner for split decision win at UFC 290

It’s never a good sign when you hear the words “Judge Adalaide Byrd,” and we’re sure there’s going to be some controversy regarding the split decision result of UFC 290’s Dan Hooker vs. Jalin Turner barnburner.

Hooker and Turner went to war for three hard rounds tonight (Sat., July 8, 2023) inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, with both men absorbing significant damage. In the end, it was Hooker who had his hand raised, although it couldn’t have been closer. Two judges gave him the fight 29-28, with one dissenting judge handing it to Turner 28-29.

Let’s take a look at the scorecards and break down the results:

Judges for the Hooker vs. Turner fight were Adalaide Byrd, Derek Cleary, and Ron McCarthy. Clearly and McCarthy awarded the fight to Hooker. Byrd was the dissenting judge who gave it to Turner.

All three judges awarded the first round to Turner, and all three gave the second round to Hooker. That’s despite Turner landing a devastating headkick on Hooker that busted the New Zealand fighter wide open. It looks like Hooker’s late rally and near-submission finish made an impact, but we’re surprised that at least one didn’t decide the bloody damage dealt by Turner’s kick trumped all.

The bigger question, though, is what Adalaide Byrd was watching during round three to give Turner the round?

Hooker controlled the round from start to finish and looked like he could have finished Turner if they ended up back on the feet for any significant amount of time. But, what can we expect from one of the most infamously terrible judges in boxing that continues to be ported into mixed martial arts (MMA) by Nevada’s athletic commission for no obvious reason?

What do you think of the scores rendered by the judges at UFC 290, Maniacs? Let us know in the comments.

Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 290 fight card RIGHT HERE, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET, then the remaining undercard bouts on ABC/ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV.

To check out the latest and greatest UFC 290: “Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here. For the updated and finalized UFC 290 fight card and PPV lineup click here.