Chris Weidman (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Since Chris Weidman’s controversial loss to Gegard Mousasi at UFC 210 it’s been reported that instant replay isn’t sanctioned for use in New York State, but the jurisdiction’s commission says that’s not the case.

During Saturday’s broadcast, it was relayed that instant replay could not be used by cageside officials, after Weidman was hit with two knees from Mousasi that were initially deemed illegal. After instant replays of the strikes were shown on the broadcast and in the arena, referee Dan Miragliotta proceeded to announce that the knees were not fouls. Doctors had also decided that Weidman couldn’t continue, and the fight was declared a TKO win for Mousasi.

Since it’s been reported that instant replay couldn’t be utilized by officials, the TKO ruling has been mired in controversy. Weidman himself has said he plans to appeal. But, recently New York officials sent the following statement to MMA Fighting, which reports instant replay can be used by the commission, and was, in determining the result of the Weidman – Mousasi bout:

“Mr. Weidman was determined to be unable to continue the match due to legal blows received, resulting in a TKO. In New York State, it has been held that the Commission may review video evidence in order to meet its obligation to render correct determinations and act in the best interest of the sport.”

“After the referee initially ruled the strikes from Mr. Mousasi illegal, he consulted with the alternate referee during the physician assessment of Mr. Weidman and determined that the knee strikes by Mousasi were not illegal. During the examination of Mr. Weidman by Commission medical staff, it was determined he was medically unfit to continue and the referee ruled a TKO victory in favor of Mr. Mousasi.”

The loss at UFC 210 was Weidman’s third in a row. Mousasi, meanwhile, has won five straight.