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Sakai Disputes Split Decision, Says Fence Grab Didn’t Alter Complexion of Win Over Ivanov

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Augusto Sakai is gaining momentum in the UFC’s heavyweight division, but his latest triumph didn’t come without controversy.

Sakai defeated Blagoy Ivanov via split decision in the co-main event of UFC on ESPN 9 on Saturday night in Las Vegas. In a competitive bout, Sakai appeared to be aided by a fence grab that prevented him from being taken down in the Round 3.