UFC Vegas 123 witnessed a dramatic ending, with Tom Nolan securing a third-round victory over veteran Renato Moicano in their main event bout by TKO. But despite the Aussie showing a brilliant performance, the fight was marred by referee Dan Miragliotta’s controversial call, which seemingly compromised Moicano’s chances of winning the fight.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Following a competitive first round that Moicano edged, Tom Nolan started to up his volume going into the second round. The Aussie landed a powerful body kick that visibly hurt Moicano. However, the Brazilian managed to escape the beatdown by securing a takedown and wrapping Nolan in a tight body lock.
Nolan started elbowing Moicano’s thigh to escape from the position, but ‘Money’ kept threatening a rear-naked choke from the back mount. Still, Moicano never found the opening to secure the submission, as he was trying to capitalize on his dominant position.
Then something truly bizarre happened.
Imago
January 17, 2025, Los Angeles, Ca, Los Angeles, Ca, United States: L-R Joe Rogan and Renato Moicano at the ceremonial weigh-in at Intercontinental Downtown Los Angeles for UFC311 Makhachev vs Tsarukyan 2 : Official Weigh-ins on January 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA, United States. /PxImages Los Angeles, Ca United States – ZUMAp175 20250117_zsa_p175_147 Copyright: xLouisxGrassex
While Moicano tried to work his way out against his opponent from the body lock, referee Dan Miragliotta stepped in and abruptly broke the position. That allowed Nolan a free way to escape from a dominant grappling position and start pouring on shots. The official’s intervention changed the entire course of the fight.
‘Money’ tried to regain his position by shooting for a takedown, but ate a big knee! In the ending sequence of the second round, it was Nolan who got the takedown and came close to finishing the fight, which he eventually did in the third round.
The referee’s decision angered the fans, and they didn’t mince their words, calling out Dan Miragliotta for essentially ruining Renato Moicano’s chances of winning the fight at UFC Vegas 123.
Fans rage against UFC Vegas 123 referee for controversial call in Renato Moicano fight
Miragliotta shoud be in federal jail
F– this ref
Fire that ref that is ridiculous
Fire the ref, Moicano just lost from that one decision
Fef had money on that fight. No way you’re standing someone up in a body triangle.
Quite literally ruined the fight
Completely f—ed up the fight. What was that
WORST REFEREE EVER. F—K DAN. IM SO MAD RIGHT NOW