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2 clusters · 4 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Controversy surrounding UFC referee Herb Dean

Overview

UFC referee Herb Dean has faced significant 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 Green was knocked down three times, a decision Green immediately contested.

Former champion Henry Cejudo criticized Dean on the ‘Pound 4 Pound’ podcast, questioning the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s decision to employ him and stating, “Nobody likes this dude no more.” Cejudo has since called for Dean’s removal, citing a lack of accountability and frequent booing from fans.

While UFC CEO Dana White described the stoppage as acceptable despite Dean having a ‘rough year,’ the incident has reignited debates regarding officiating. Cejudo suggested the implementation of automated or AI-driven judging systems to mitigate human error, though co-host Kamaru Usman argued that technology cannot replicate the real-time safety decisions required of a referee.

Entities

Henry Cejudo · Nevada State Athletic Commission · Herb Dean · Esteban Ribovics · King Green

Timeline

  1. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Henry Cejudo calls for removal of referee Herb Dean

    Henry Cejudo has called for the Nevada State Athletic Commission to remove referee Herb Dean following a controversial stoppage at UFC 332 involving King Green and Esteban Ribovics.

  2. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Herb Dean faces criticism after controversial UFC fight stoppage

    UFC referee Herb Dean faces backlash from Henry Cejudo and Belal Muhammad following a controversial fight stoppage between King Green and Esteban Ribovics.

Sources

heavy.com · middleeasy.com · sportskeeda.com · thebodylockmma.com