TORONTO | Quebec's Charles Jourdain lost by split decision to American Sean Woodson at Saturday's UFC 297 gala in Toronto.
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Against Sean Woodson (11-1-1, 3 KOs, 1 submission), Beloeil featherweight (145 lb) Charles Jourdain (15-7-1, 8 KOs, 5 submissions) lost by split decision (29-28, 28- 29, 28-29).
There was also some confusion at the time of the announcement as everyone thought Jourdain had won when the third judge's result was announced. Boos rang out throughout ScotiaBank Arena as Jourdain left the octagon shaking his head in disbelief.
His winning streak was snapped at two. It must be said that Woodson was not an easy opponent at 1.80m, five inches taller than the Quebecer who also gave him a reach of 9 inches.
Jourdain had difficulty reaching his opponent with his fists and twice during the second round he tried to take him to the ground for very long seconds without success.
The previously rather boring confrontation gained some momentum the last time it was resumed. Jourdain finally managed to take Woodson down at the very end of the round, and for a moment it looked like he might get the submission, but he didn't.
Disillusioned
It was a disillusioned Charles Jourdain who spoke to the Journal on the phone just minutes after the fight. Disappointed by the decision, he even went so far as to question his career.
“It's happened twice that I've gotten close to the top 15 and been slowed down by decisions like that,” he complained as he sat in the car that took him back to the hotel. When I got in the car, I told myself that the UFC was over for me, but I had to remain stoic and think before making a decision.
“It's emotional because I just lost $100,000, so that's $200,000 I'm losing this way. I spent the holidays away from my family preparing for this fight.
The 28-year-old fighter is struggling to digest the result as he believes he showed more will and desire to win than his opponent.
“I don't understand the decision because yes, I admit I lost the first round, but he spent the fight backing away and not wanting to fight. It was me who attacked and tried and tried takedowns in the last two rounds. It’s the guy who attacks that should win.”
Yohan Lainesse was defeated by submission. Getty Images via AFP
Lainesse bows
At the beginning of the evening, welterweight (170 lb) Yohan Lainesse (9-3-0, 6 KOs) had to admit defeat against Great Britain's Sam Patterson (11-2-1, 4 KOs. O., 6 submissions) who won by submission at 2:03 of the first round.
The two pugilists eyed each other for a good minute, then Lainesse tried to take his opponent to the ground, but it backfired.
Patterson quickly grabbed the Quebecer by the throat to give him a chokehold, forcing Lainesse to surrender.
This is the second setback in a row and the third defeat in his last four fights for the Varennois.