# Controversy surrounding UFC referee Herb Dean

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-surrounding-ufc-referee-herb-dean
> Updated: 2026-10-06T05:15:58.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

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.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-06: 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 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/henry-cejudo-calls-for-removal-of-referee-herb-dean

### 2026-10-04: 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.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/herb-dean-faces-criticism-after-controversial-ufc-fight-stoppage

---
Cite as: Controversy surrounding UFC referee Herb Dean. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-surrounding-ufc-referee-herb-dean