Former UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos had been on a skid over the last year and a half. At UFC 256 in December, “Cigano” lost his fourth straight fight at the hands of undefeated contender Cyril Gane.
Dos Santos lost via TKO in the second round after absorbing a clean elbow to the side of the head. However, many argued that the strike may have landed at the back of the head, making it illegal.
On January 15, Dos Santos’ team filed an appeal to the Nevada Athletic Commission, citing a possible misinterpretation of the rules on referee Jerin Valel’s part.