UFC President Slams Referee for Delayed Stoppage
In a recent UFC Fight Night held in Austin, Texas, an incident involving a delayed stoppage by referee Kerry Hatley has drawn sharp criticism from UFC president Dana White and various figures within the mixed martial arts (MMA) community. The controversy stems from a lightweight bout between Jalin Turner and Bobby Green, where a knockout left Green defenseless while the referee's intervention came under scrutiny.
Despite Hatley's extensive experience officiating in the UFC, his hesitation to stop the fight after Turner rendered Green unconscious in the opening round became a focal point of concern. For a duration of 12 seconds, Turner continued to land strikes on Green before Hatley stepped in to halt the bout.
White did not mince words in a post-event interview, labeling the incident as "one of the worst I've ever seen." He differentiated this situation from past instances where referees have made questionable comments, acknowledging that although Hatley recognized his error, it was nonetheless regrettable.
Turner, who won the fight two minutes and 49 seconds into the first round, defended his actions by reiterating the fighter's duty to continue until the referee intervenes. Despite the contentious nature of his victory, Green displayed sportsmanship, refraining from blaming Hatley and instead praising Turner for seizing the opportunity presented to him.
On social media, Green reflected philosophically about the outcome, emphasizing the need to maintain grace both in victory and defeat. He also acknowledged Turner's efforts, expressing happiness for his opponent's success, especially considering Turner had accepted the fight on just nine days' notice after Dan Hooker withdrew due to injury.
Turner's victory marked an end to a two-fight losing streak and improved his UFC record to 7-4. Notably, all of Turner's wins in the organization have been finishes by knockout or submission, underscoring his prowess as a finisher.
Community Calls for Action
The late stoppage has raised alarms regarding fighter safety, sparking discussions across the MMA landscape. During the ESPN broadcast, former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping conveyed his dismay, questioning Hatley's decision-making and pointing out the serious risks involved when a fighter is left unprotected against a formidable striker.
Bisping's sentiments were echoed by other prominent figures in the sport. Daniel Cormier, a former two-division UFC champion, took to Twitter to denounce the stoppage as one of the worst in MMA history. Cormier highlighted the severity of the situation, with the fighter lying prone and taking unanswered punches.
Chase Hooper, a fellow UFC lightweight, described the scene as "brutal," criticizing the lack of timely action by the referee given that Green could not defend himself intelligently. Dustin Poirier, a former interim lightweight champion, also joined the chorus of voices condemning the stoppage, calling it "horrible."
The MMA community is now looking to the UFC and regulatory bodies for their response to the incident. There is a collective call for measures to prevent such occurrences in the future, with the health and safety of fighters being paramount. This event has once again brought to light the critical role of referees in ensuring the well-being of athletes in the high-stakes environment of professional fighting.
In the aftermath of the event, there remains a clear consensus on the need for swift and decisive action when a fighter is no longer able to protect themselves. As the sport continues to evolve, so too must the vigilance and judgment of those tasked with overseeing its integrity and the safety of its competitors.
With the conversation around fighter safety gaining momentum, the incident at UFC Fight Night in Austin serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities held by referees. It also reinforces the community's resolve to advocate for the highest standards of safety in MMA, ensuring that the sport's thrilling nature does not come at the expense of its athletes' well-being.