Cody Brundage emerged victorious from the UFC Vegas 103 co-main event, but the finishing sequence wasn't without some controversy.
Brundage started strong by landing an overhand right that stunned Marquez. He continued the attack, but Marquez managed to battle back and create a back-and-forth battle. After submission attempts from both men, "The Cuban Missile Crisis" took control with a hook and ground strikes.
Back on the feet in the round's closing minute, the two traded strikes in a wild exchange, with Brundage ultimately wobbling Marquez once more, dropping him and finishing things off with ground-and-pound.
Unfortunately, the UFC Vegas 103 co-main event will go under controversy, as referee Marc Smith elected to pause the fight during the back-and-forth brawling to hand back both men's mouthpieces, which had fallen. It was arguable that the pause allowed Brundage to gain momentum one last time for the win.
Referee Pause At Center Of Controversial UFC Vegas 103 Co-Main Event Conclusion
With this win, Brundage bounces back after a loss to Bo Nickal at UFC 300 and a no contest with Abdul Razak Alhassan.
Marquez, meanwhile, has now lost four straight, falling to 9-6. He hasn't scored a victory since defeating Sam Alvey in April 2021.