Charles Oliveira Criticizes Referee Herb Dean Over UFC Gane‑Pereira Fight

UFC BMF champion Charles Oliveira said referee Herb Dean should have intervened when Ciryl Gane delivered illegal punches to the back of Alex Pereira’s head during the second‑round finish at UFC Freedom 250. Oliveira pointed to the clear fouls, noting “some shots landed to the back of the head when they shouldn’t have,” and added, “I think he should have stepped in.”

He referenced a similar controversy from his 2024 rematch with Michael Chandler, where he believed illegal blows went unpunished, but stopped short of demanding Dean’s removal, calling him “still a great referee.” Pereira, meanwhile, has publicly demanded action against Dean and said he will refuse future bouts if Dean is assigned. The comments have reignited debate over officiating standards in high‑stakes UFC events.