A rematch from one of the most controversial fights of 2010 is nearly set for UFC Fight Night 24 on March 26th in Seattle. MMAWeekly.com was first to report that TUF 12 alum Nam Phan has agreed to face decision king Leonard “Bad Boy” Garcia for a second time on the March card.

Garcia, who took the pair’s first bout in December on short notice, emerged victorious via a highly controversial Split Decision that sparked widespread outcry among fans and media alike. He will now have a chance to prove the critics wrong, while Phan will look to gain revenge in the rematch.

Phan (16-8-0) appeared to handily outbox Garcia in the first fight, as a badly fatigued Garcia missed with wild haymakers for much of the latter two rounds. Despite seemingly being well on his way to a clear-cut decision victory – with many scoring all three rounds for Phan – two cageside judges denied Phan his win and scored the fight in favour of Garcia. The loss was Phan’s fourth in his last six fights, but he nevertheless earned praise from UFC President Dana White, who awarded Phan his win bonus despite the controversial loss.

Garcia (15-6-1), whom some believe should be 0-7 in his last seven bouts, is instead a modest 3-3-1 during that time thanks largely in part to questionable scoring in nearly all of those fights. With a trio of contentious Split Decision victories over Jameel Massouh, Chan Sung Jung and Phan, and an equally controversial Draw with George Roop, Garcia appeared to be a favourite of judges in 2009 and 2010. The Albuquerque, New Mexico native’s wild striking style has been a detriment at times, but seemingly not in cases where fights have gone to the scorecards.

Following the pair’s initial meeting, a back-and-forth battle of words erupted between fans and media, as well as UFC colour commentator Joe Rogan, and Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Keith Kizer. While many were quick to point out obvious flaws in MMA’s current scoring system and its panel of well-known judges, Kizer deflected blame and implied that the problem was being blown out of proportion. Kizer, himself, admitted that he was shocked by the first fight’s outcome.

Whichever the case, Phan and Garcia will now have a chance to settle the score in the planned March bout. The fight is expected to take place at UFC Fight Night 24 on March 26th in Seattle, Washington.

(Photo Credit: Sherdog.com)