Jordan’s Qaisi loses UFC debut on split decision

AMMAN — He said he would make an impact, and Jordan’s Ali Al Qaisi didn’t disappoint with an accomplished performance that saw him just edged out on a split decision for his debut at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in Las Vegas on Saturday night, according to the Jordan Olympic Committee News Service. 

The “Royal Fighter” lost to Mexico’s Irwin Rivera on a 2-1 judges’ decision following three brutal rounds that could have seen the fight go either way.

Qaisi made history in the bantamweight contest, becoming the first fighter from Jordan to make it to the UFC. And he started strongly, flooring Rivera with an uppercut, but the Mexican fought back as the fight continued at breath-taking pace and reached a brawling conclusion. 

Two judges marked the fight 29-28 in Rivera’s favour, with Qaisi scoring 28-29 with the third judge.