Some critics have questioned the decision because Gvozdyk performed well before the knockout. He dropped Kalajdzic twice and controlled much of the fight before getting stopped in the seventh.
That doesn’t erase the final result.
The defeat was Gvozdyk’s second in three fights, following his 2024 decision loss to David Benavidez. At 39, Zuffa isn’t investing in a prospect with years available to rebuild his value and develop into a major attraction.
That contract provision gave the promotion sensible protection.
Promoters commit substantial money, television dates, and publicity when they sign fighters. If performance declines or commercial value drops, the promoter needs an exit rather than remaining locked into a...
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