The main card opener at UFC Denver delivered an unexpected and controversial ending that has ignited a fervent debate within the MMA community. Middleweight veteran Cody Brundage found himself at the center of the storm after being struck on the back of the head during his fight against Abdul Razak Alhassan.

Brundage, who had barely survived Alhassan's early onslaught, was just seconds away from suffering his third knockout/technical knockout loss when Alhassan's shots strayed into foul territory, repeatedly landing on the back of Brundage's head. Referee Dan Miragliotta intervened, calling a halt to the action and giving Brundage several minutes to recover.

However, despite being offered the chance to continue the fight, Brundage told the ringside physician that he could not carry on. As a result, the fight was ruled a No Contest, leaving fans and experts divided over the legitimacy of the decision.

During a watch party hosted by MMA legends Jon Anik, Ray Longo, and Kenny Florian, the controversial stoppage became a hot topic of discussion. Florian, a former UFC fighter, defended Brundage's choice not to continue the fight, citing the high stakes and the potential disadvantage of fighting in a compromised state.

Florian stated, "It's tough, man. When the stakes are that high, you don't want to go into a fight being that messed up. It's already a difficult sport, so why would you put yourself at such a tremendous disadvantage? I think he probably made the right decision not to go forward."

Anik, the UFC commentator, echoed Florian's sentiments, acknowledging the challenging position the media and commentators find themselves in when such incidents occur. He emphasized the delicate balance between not disrespecting the athletes while simultaneously providing clarity to the viewers.

One aspect discussed was the dilemma faced by fighters like Brundage, who must decide whether to tough it out and chase an MMA win or opt for a disqualification victory. Anik highlighted the pressure some fighters feel to accumulate achievements on their fighting resumes, potentially clouding their judgment when faced with injuries caused by illegal blows.

The controversial ending sparked a heated debate on MMA social media platforms, with fans divided between those who believe the fight should have been stopped and those who suspect Brundage may have exaggerated the impact of the strikes.

The aftermath of the UFC Denver fight leaves the MMA community pondering the implications of referee decisions and the responsibility of fighters to prioritize their health and well-being. Ultimately, the debate serves as a reminder of the complex nature of the sport and the difficult choices fighters must make inside the Octagon.