The coach of Francisco Prado explains his decision to not throw in the towel at UFC Fight Night 237 and defends his “don’t need your eyes” remark. What was the need to defend this remark in the first place? And how was his decision wrong that he needed to defend it in the first place? Continue reading to find out!
Prado was hit by Zellhuber during a competitive two rounds lightweight fight at Mexico City Arena. As a result, Prado returned to his corner with severe eye damage. When he informed his squad that he was blind, Zaidi—the CEO of the Miami-based GOAT SHED organization—told his fighter, “You don’t need your eyes.”
The remarks, which were interpreted by the UFC broadcast, were greeted with skepticism on whether Zaidi was being overly careless with his athlete’s safety considering Prado’s eye was practically swollen shut.
Zaidi, however, claims that his statement was misinterpreted since it wasn’t translated completely. Although he acknowledges that Prado’s vision was impaired, the focus of his speech was on how his fighter might make it to and possibly win the last round.
Zaidi recounted that the translator had advised his fighter, emphasizing that sight wasn’t necessary, and urged him to fight, directing him to the center. Zaidi then intervened, instructing his fighter that sight wouldn’t be essential if he engaged in clinch fighting, advising against fighting in the center where vision would matter, and instead encouraged him to press his opponent against the fence, employing wrestling and clinching techniques. Zaidi described a moment akin to Rocky and Mickey, where both he and his fighter were prepared to go to extreme lengths for victory. Upon his fighter expressing difficulty seeing, Zaidi promptly provided a strategic approach to continue the fight.
Zaidi expressed that the translator’s interpretation fell short, resulting in a portrayal that made him appear somewhat erratic, although he wasn’t particularly bothered by it. He acknowledged the translator as a good person who simply became flustered. Zaidi clarified that he had instructed his fighter about the importance of vision in long-range combat, advising against fighting directly in the center. He emphasized that sight wouldn’t be necessary if his fighter engaged in clinch fighting. Zaidi encouraged his fighter to concentrate on striking while in the clinch and grappling against the fence, aiming to reduce dependence on sight during the fight.
Some members of the MMA community said online that Prado shouldn’t have been sent out for the third round, regardless of his remarks or how they were taken. Following a wellness check, the ringside physician also permitted Prado to proceed.
The Argentinean, age 21, looks to have a bright future ahead of him, but the fight wasn’t going his way.
Judges Miguel Jimenez and Junichiro Kamijo scored Prado 19–19 in Round 1 and Zellhuber 19–19 in Round 2. However, Judge Rick Winter gave Zellhuber a 20-17 victory, with rounds one and two going 10-9 and 10-8, respectively.
In Round 3, Prado showed heart by attempting to compensate for his injured eye. However, Zellhuber refused to give up and won the last frame 10-9 on each of the three scorecards, earning him the victory by unanimous decision with scores of 29-28, 29-28, and 30-26.
Following the fight, Prado and Zellhuber were awarded Fight of the Night, and they each received an additional $50,000. Zaidi stated that he doesn’t regret giving Prado advice or choosing to have him leave the fight for the final frame, even though Prado will feel the effects of the battle right away.
Zaidi conveyed that it was evident the fight was tied 1-1 going into the third round, emphasizing that the outcome of that round would determine the victor. He asserted that no fighter or coach would consider throwing in the towel in such a critical moment. Zaidi remarked that it’s easy for those less experienced in the sport, colloquially referred to as “casuals,” to suggest giving up, as they often fail to grasp the immense sacrifices fighters make. He explained that he, along with Francisco, their training partners, and his assistant coach Mango, had left their families to train together in a small town in Mexico for three weeks, enduring challenging conditions. Zaidi stressed that his fighter wouldn’t endure such sacrifices only to concede defeat in the final round of a closely contested fight. He emphasized their commitment to the fighter’s success, stating they lived and fought with determination, even if it meant risking everything.
What are your opinions on Zaidi trying to defend his decision and the remark he passed during UFC Fight Night 237?Do let us know about your thoughts in the comment section!
