In a bout that stirred up intense scrutiny, UFC President Dana White didn’t mince words when addressing veteran referee Herb Dean’s handling of the co-main event at UFC Vegas 42 in November 2021.
The contentious moment unfolded during a heavyweight clash between Marcos Rogerio de Lima and Ben Rothwell, where Dean’s intervention sparked controversy.
As Rothwell found himself on the receiving end of a barrage of strikes, Dean appeared to momentarily step in, only to backtrack as Rothwell attempted a takedown. This hesitation led to an unexpected turn of events as ‘Pezao’ capitalized with a choke, prompting Dean to halt the fight just 32 seconds into the first round.
Dana White’s Criticism of Herb Dean’s Controversial Stoppage at UFC Vegas 42
During the post-event press conference, White offered candid criticism of Dean’s actions, acknowledging the necessity of stopping the fight but urging the referee to exercise better judgment in future situations:
“Herb needs to stop touching guys unless the fight’s over. He goes in and grabs him by the waist and decides, oops, maybe I… The good thing about this was, the fight should have been stopped when he stopped it. You didn’t see Ben jumping up and arguing about it.”
White emphasized the importance of decisive action, highlighting Dean’s hesitation as he deliberated whether to intervene or not. This uncertainty, evident even in slow-motion replays, underscored the need for referees to act decisively in the heat of the moment.
Dean, renowned for his experience and expertise in officiating MMA bouts, has faced scrutiny over various calls in recent years, yet has also earned praise for his accurate judgments from time to time.
The criticism directed at Dean echoes previous incidents where UFC officials found themselves at the center of controversy. White’s unwavering stance on maintaining the integrity of officiating underscores the importance of clear, decisive action in ensuring fighter safety and fair competition within the octagon.
