At UFC 264, fans witnessed an intriguing bantamweight clash between Sean O’Malley and the UFC newcomer Kris Moutinho. The official referee for the fight was Herb Dean.
O’Malley dominated Moutinho throughout the fight by landing over 147 significant strikes. Moreover, ‘Suga’ Sean scored a knockdown at the very end of the second round. However, Moutinho took every shot like a champ and kept moving forward.
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The fight then went into the third and final round. As fans were enjoying this elite striking game on O’Malley’s part, the referee Herb Dean stepped in and called off the fight, declaring O’Malley the winner via TKO.
With only 23 seconds left! ⏱@SugaSeanMMA gets the finish at #UFC264. pic.twitter.com/om5HzIqhG9
— UFC (@ufc) July 11, 2021
However, not everyone is satisfied with Dean’s decision as Moutinho was still on his feet. Given how he was taking the punches, many UFC fans feel that the fight might have gone to the distance.
Here are some Twitter reactions on the Herb Dean stoppage at UFC 264
The well-known MMA personality, Ariel Helwani, wasn’t happy with Dean’s decision as he was looking forward to the fight going to distance.
Get outta here with that stoppage! Cmon Herb. He took all those shots the entire fight. Chris earned the right to finish. That’s nonsense. Wasn’t out on his feet. Wack.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 11, 2021
The MMA news editor, Damon Martin, believes it was a bad stoppage.
That's a bad stoppage. Obviously a phenomenal performance by Sean O'Malley but that was a bad call by Herb Dean #UFC264
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) July 11, 2021
Watch This Story: Sean O’Malley’s Intense Training Routine For His Next Fight Against Kirs Moutinho At UFC 264
What’s next for Sean O’Malley and Kris Moutinho?
Both fighters put everything they had inside the octagon at UFC 264. In the end, O’Malley might have won the fight, but Moutinho earned a lot of respect from the UFC fans.
Considering the fact that Moutinho stepped in on brief notice, he still put on a great show for the fans. However, Moutinho would still have to go back to the drawing board and work on his defense. Meanwhile, O’Malley will get back inside the octagon against another formidable opponent to continue his journey to the MMA pinnacle.
There is a slight possibility of a rematch as UFC fans enjoyed each and every second of this intriguing match-up.
What do you make of Herb Dean’s controversial stoppage?