Jonathan Micalef earned a split decision victory over Themba Gorimbo with scores of 29-28, 29-28, and 28-29 at UFC Perth. The win marks Micalef's third consecutive victory inside the UFC octagon. Meanwhile, Gorimbo now finds himself on a three-fight losing streak following this setback. The post asks fans whether they agree with the judges' decision.
Jonathan Micalef earned a split decision win over Themba Gorimbo at UFC Perth, with two judges scoring the bout 29-28 in his favor and one dissenting scorecard reading 28-29.
The victory extends Micalef's current winning run to three consecutive UFC bouts, underlining his steady rise within the promotion.
Gorimbo, known as "The Answer," enters a difficult stretch following this setback. The 35-year-old from Zimbabwe, who trains out of MMA Masters, now carries a professional record of 14-7 and has dropped three fights in a row. Standing 185 cm tall with a 196 cm reach, Gorimbo is a physical presence in his division. He brings notable grappling volume to his fights, averaging 5.07 takedowns per 15 minutes, and posts an impressive 60 percent striking accuracy alongside 2.72 significant strikes landed per minute — numbers that reflect a fighter capable of imposing his will in multiple areas.
Why it matters
- Micalef's three-fight win streak positions him as a rising name in his division and builds a case for a higher-profile matchup next.
- Gorimbo's third straight loss raises questions about where he stands on the roster and whether changes are needed to halt the slide.
- The split decision result — rather than a dominant verdict — adds credence to the fan debate over whether the judges got the call right.
