In a night filled with anticipation and intrigue, Torrez Finney made his long-awaited UFC debut on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the UFC Apex, defeating Robert Valentin in a controversial split decision that left fans and analysts buzzing.
Finney, who stands at just 5'8", is considered small for the middleweight division, but he compensates for his size with impressive strength and grappling skills. His journey to the UFC was anything but straightforward; he had to fight through Dana White's Contender Series three times before finally earning a coveted contract. Many fans felt that Finney had been hard done by during his previous appearances on the Contender Series, where he showcased his skills with two stoppage victories but was forced to fight a third time due to White's concerns about his readiness for the UFC.
In his debut fight, Finney’s grappling dominated much of the action, but it wasn’t the most thrilling performance. Michael Bisping, the former UFC champion and commentator, criticized Finney's style during the fight, noting that it lacked excitement for the fans. The bout saw Finney control the ground game effectively, yet he was repeatedly separated by referee Mike Beltran for failing to engage actively enough.
The fight concluded with a split decision victory for Finney, with two judges scoring the bout 29-28 in his favor. However, the dissenting judge, Tony Weeks, scored all three rounds for Valentin, a decision that shocked many in attendance and sparked outrage on social media.
Corey Anderson, a fellow fighter, expressed his disbelief on Twitter, stating, "Fire that judge on sight!" Others joined in, questioning how anyone could score the fight in favor of Valentin given Finney's control throughout the contest. Derek Brunson humorously remarked, "Torrez Finney might be the first guy I’ve seen go 15 minutes in a MMA fight and haven’t thrown a single punch." Such sentiments echoed across various platforms, indicating a widespread dissatisfaction with the fight's overall quality.
Despite securing a win, Finney's performance drew heavy scrutiny from fans, many of whom took to social media to voice their displeasure. Some called for his removal from the UFC, labeling him a coward for his grappling-heavy approach. Controversial YouTuber MMA Guru criticized Finney, saying, "Torrez Finney is actually the biggest b—- we have ever seen in the UFC. I have never seen someone desperately try to avoid a fight for 15 straight minutes like that before."
Dillon Danis, another figure in the MMA community, jokingly suggested that Finney would be the next fighter to land on the UFC Roster Tracker, a platform that tracks fighters who are cut from the promotion, further highlighting the discontent surrounding Finney's debut.
As the dust settles from UFC Vegas 105, the conversation continues. Finney's win, while technically sound, raises questions about the expectations placed on fighters in the UFC and the balance between strategy and entertainment. Will Finney adapt his style to win over fans, or will he continue to rely on his grappling to secure victories? The answers to these questions could shape his future in the organization.
Looking ahead, the UFC will need to consider how to address the growing concerns about fighter engagement and the entertainment value of their bouts. As the league continues to evolve, the balance between winning and entertaining will remain a hot topic among fans and fighters alike.
In the meantime, Torrez Finney has made his mark in the UFC, albeit under a cloud of controversy. His next steps will be closely watched as he tries to prove that he belongs in the octagon, not just as a competitor but as a fan favorite.
