Herb Dean faces criticism after controversial UFC fight stoppage

UFC referee Herb Dean is facing renewed criticism from fighters and analysts following a controversial stoppage during the King Green vs. Esteban Ribovics fight at UFC 332. Dean ended the bout after Ribovics dropped Green three times, a decision Green immediately protested, claiming he was capable of continuing.

Former UFC champion Henry Cejudo criticized Dean on the ‘Pound 4 Pound’ podcast, suggesting the referee lacks accountability and questioning why the Nevada State Athletic Commission continues to employ him. Cejudo stated, “Nobody likes this dude no more.”

Former champion Belal Muhammad also weighed in, suggesting the fight should not have been stopped. This incident follows a series of controversial calls by Dean in 2026, including a failure to penalize illegal strikes in a fight involving Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane.