UFC Vegas 122 main event saw a critical moment unfold after the referee penalized a headlining fighter for landing an eye poke, which prompted fans to applaud the official for taking firm action against a foul.

Veteran referee Marc Goddard officiated the headliner middleweight fight between Brendan Allen and Christian Leroy Duncan. From the opening, the fight remained competitive, but Allen started complaining about Duncan fighting with his palms open and almost poking him in the eye. Goddard initially gave Duncan a small warning. However, the British fighter did not seem to pay attention to the referee’s instructions. 

In the opening minutes of the second round, Duncan ended up landing a clear eye poke. Seeing the foul, longtime referee Marc Goddard deducted a point without giving him the prior warning that referees usually provide.

Livid, Duncan became more aggressive because he was a point down in one of the most important fights of his career. Despite Christian Leroy Duncan’s desperate attempt to win the fight back, Allen ended up scoring a slick rear-naked choke victory in the 5th round to end the fight.

Even though Allen did not give Duncan the chance to spark further controversy by taking the fight to a decision, fans were highly impressed with referee Marc Goddard taking a point away from Christian Leroy Duncan. So, they expressed their approval online.

Fans react to referee taking Christian Leroy Duncan’s point away at the UFC Vegas 122 headliner 

He had not poked Allen prior to this, but received a soft warning at the start of the round for having his fingers near Allen’s eyes. THIS IS HOW IT SHOULD BE!!!!

It’s about time these start to get enforced

So now refs have to take a point away for the first foul in every fight moving forward. If not, this is horrible point deduction

Herb Dean would NEVERRRR 

Good. Hope this picks up by the time Gane fights

That’s right, and how should it be!!! Instant reduced point!!! You are a professional; there is no need for warnings!!!!