In a highly contested match at UFC on ESPN 54, Bruno Silva found himself on the receiving end of a controversial ending, prompting discussions about the New Jersey commission's handling of the situation. The fight between Silva and Chris Weidman had an unexpected turn of events, leaving both fighters and spectators questioning the outcome.

During the third round of the bout, Weidman unleashed a series of ground-and-pound strikes on Silva, seemingly securing a TKO victory. However, a slow-motion replay revealed a critical moment just before the finishing sequence - Weidman's fingers egregiously poking Silva in the eyes. The revelation instantly cast doubt on the legitimacy of the win.

Referee Gary Copeland, responsible for overseeing the match, came under scrutiny for failing to address two previous eye pokes by Weidman. Former referee and current PFL analyst, "Big" John McCarthy, expressed his disagreement with Copeland's lack of warnings, suggesting that the official should have taken action to prevent such repeated fouls.

McCarthy emphasized his support for Weidman but stressed the importance of fair officiating, irrespective of the fighter's status. He believed that Copeland should have intervened and ensured that Weidman did not continue engaging in such actions. McCarthy pointed out that Copeland might not have noticed the eye pokes that occurred just before the fight's conclusion, making his decision to stop the bout understandable.

However, McCarthy insisted that the New Jersey commission made the right call by acknowledging the eye pokes after reviewing the tape. Based on the rules, the fight entered the third round, leading to a technical decision rather than a unanimous decision victory for Weidman. McCarthy further clarified that the judges should evaluate the portions of the third round they had seen to determine the winner.

Silva, understandably aggrieved by the outcome, intends to appeal the result, according to his statements to MMA Fighting. But McCarthy cautioned Silva against pursuing the appeal, as the commission's decision to go with a technical decision is considered the correct course of action. By addressing the foul and not deducting points, the commission ensured that Weidman's victory would not be attributed to an unchecked violation.

While the controversial ending has raised debates and demands for fair play, the commission's adherence to the rules leaves Silva with few viable options to challenge the TKO result. However, the broader implications of this incident on the sport and the need for improved officiating in future fights remain hot topics of discussion in the MMA community.

As the controversy surrounding the UFC on ESPN 54 fight unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fairness and integrity in combat sports. The New Jersey commission's decision, although contentious, aimed to address the foul committed by Weidman and ensure a correct outcome, while leaving Silva with limited avenues for recourse. Only time will tell how this incident will shape the future regulations and guidelines governing matches in the UFC and beyond.