‘Some Borderline Paul Daley Behavior’ – MMA Fans React To Junior Tafa Slapping Valter Walker After Controversial Verbal Submission Loss At UFC 305

That was a clear verbal tap in both bjj and MMA, I wonder what will happen for the slap. It wasn’t much but Dana has made it very clear how he feels about post fight physicality. #UFC305

— KubaKaczmarskiMMA🇵🇱 (@OsOFrostyMMA) August 18, 2024

I 100% cannot fight but bro cannot be in there screamin’ like that 😂 #UFC305

— P (@FitzP980) August 18, 2024

IMO that’s not a verbal tap, how can making a noise in pain be a tap? we hear people make noises while getting choked but the ref wouldn’t stop it for that, especially with only a few seconds left in the round, if he wanted out of the fight he would’ve just tapped #UFC305

— bigjohnw (@bigjohnwTV) August 18, 2024

Even tho he didn't verbal tap but screaming in agony to Hell hook which is a career ending submission, i see the justice in that stoppage by the ref. But Tafa cmon bro this is a professional sport, have a bit of class. #UFC305

— Harry Ripata (@The_Ripata) August 18, 2024

#UFC305 That's not an early stoppage. Referees main focus is fighter safety and Tafa was screaming in pain. If he'd have screamed, the referee does nothing- then broke his leg, everyone would say that's bad refereeing. Was a spot on call in the moment. 🤷‍♂️

— Matty Corbett (@MatthewCorbett5) August 18, 2024

#UFC305 @ufc some borderline Paul Daley behavior.

You better cut Tafas ghetto ass since u just cut Mokaev

— Yuni (@YuniBaka6) August 18, 2024

but how does one determine if a cry out is in fact pain or just sheer rage etc? they mind readers now then yeah? Not a decision for the referee to make without crystal clear indication surely #UFC305

— 🌵AMBER (@amberkerr_) August 18, 2024

Screaming doesn't equal tapping out, but the ref has to side on fighter safety. This result will be an object of contention, but honestly, it looked like Tafa's pain reaction was legit enough for the referee to intervene. #UFC305

— CAGECIDE (@cagecide) August 18, 2024

Why Tafa acting like that tho? Slapping and flipping him off. #UFC305

— Sebastian💎 (@snebbiMMA) August 18, 2024

That’s a verbal tap. Every ref is clear in the locker room, if you scream in any type of pain, I’ll consider that a verbal tap and the fight is over. #UFC305

— Eric Nicksick (@Eric_XCMMA) August 18, 2024