UFC 278 saw one of the greatest come-from-behind victories. Although the victory was clean, the event altogether had a few moments which were a little controversial.
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The fight between Jose Aldo and Merab Dvalishvili saw the Georgian spend the majority of the time in clinch control, with the referee separating them for lack of action.
Herb Dean’s response to Conor McGregor
Referee Herb Dean came out in an interview with Helen Yee sports and shed some light on the whole situation. The journalist read Conor McGregor’s tweet and asked, “I just wanted to get your thoughts on Conor’s statement and just kind of your take on that.”
Leaned his way to victory. Refs need to separate stale positions quicker. Especially if happening repeatedly. Earlier each time. It’s fighting guys! Not saying anything on Mirab he done what he had to / won the match. The ref should separate tho to potentially get a real finish.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 21, 2022
Dean replied, “This sport is evolving and officiating is evolving, too. That’s not something we ignore and say, hey you know we’re not gonna look at that. Each position though and each situation is different.”
Dean added, “You know so, sometimes you cannot just make a blanket statement just always quicker.”
Referee Gary Copeland taking a point away for a second groin strike. So rare we see that in the sport but accidental or not, if there's no repercussion, there's no reason for him to alter his method of attack.#UFCNewark
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) August 3, 2019
The referee also said that there should be discussion over the elements that a referee should look at before creating a separation between the fighters.
Herb Dean explains when to take a point away
The referee later also touched up upon fence grabbing. He said, “So fence grab is very difficult to deal with in the sport because it is a natural reaction. You know it’s going to happen.”
He said that taking a point away from a fight is not an easy decision.
Herb Dean justified this statement by stating that most of the decisions wins are 29-28, so to take away a point means to take away a win from a fight. The ref said that until and unless a major foul is committed, the referee won’t take away a point.
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Herb then further expressed that some fouls are considered harmful fouls while some are not. So that needs to be considered as well before taking any action.
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LAS VEGAS, NV – APRIL 23: Referee Herb Dean squares off Anthony Pettis and Edson Barboza in their lightweight bout during the UFC 197 event inside MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 23, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Herb Dean is considered one of the best referees in the business and also happens to provide refereeing courses online. Like the ref rightly pointed out, the sport is evolving and so is officiating. Maybe with time, we may see changes that don’t offend as many fans.
What’s one rule that you would like to change in MMA?
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