Dana White defends referee decision in Moicano vs. Nolan fight

UFC CEO Dana White has addressed the controversial officiating during the lightweight main event at UFC Vegas 123, where referee Dan Miragliotta stood up Renato Moicano while he held Tom Nolan in a dominant grappling position. The decision to restart the fighters led to Nolan securing a third-round TKO victory.

White declined to condemn the referee, stating that the rules require fighters to actively pursue damage or position advancement rather than simply maintaining a dominant position. White noted that elite grapplers can sometimes ride out rounds without attempting to finish the fight, which warrants a stand-up under current regulations.

While the UFC broadcast team labeled the move a referee error, Moicano admitted on social media that he failed to produce sufficient damage or overcome Nolan’s defense. Moicano indicated he will not appeal the result.