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The Worst Referee Calls in MMA History
Refereeing in MMA is one of the most challenging jobs in sports. Referees must make split-second decisions that can change the outcome of a fight, and the pressure to get it right is immense. Unfortunately, there have been instances where referees made mistakes that have become infamous in MMA history. In this article, we’ll explore some of the worst referee calls of all time.
1. Steve Mazzagatti: Jon Jones vs. Matt Hamill (The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale, 2009)
Jon Jones was well on his way to victory over Matt Hamill when he unleashed a series of illegal 12-to-6 elbows. While the elbows were undoubtedly illegal, referee Steve Mazzagatti's decision to disqualify Jones, awarding the win to Hamill, remains highly controversial. Many argue that the fight should have been ruled a no-contest, as Hamill was already compromised before the elbows were thrown. The disqualification remains the only loss on Jones' record and is a topic of heated debate to this day.
2. Yves Lavigne: Matt Brown vs. Pete Sell (UFC 96, 2009)
Matt Brown was delivering a brutal beatdown to Pete Sell, who was clearly out on his feet. Despite Sell’s lack of defense and being visibly dazed, referee Yves Lavigne allowed the fight to continue far longer than necessary. Brown, unsure whether the fight was still ongoing, had to be told to keep fighting, leading to an unnecessary and prolonged beating. Lavigne eventually stopped the fight, but the damage had already been done, and the late stoppage remains one of the most criticized in MMA history.
3. Mario Yamasaki: Valentina Shevchenko vs. Priscila Cachoeira (UFC Fight Night 125, 2018)
Mario Yamasaki has made several questionable calls throughout his career, but his handling of Valentina Shevchenko vs. Priscila Cachoeira stands out as one of the worst. Shevchenko dominated the fight from the beginning, landing a barrage of strikes that left Cachoeira defenseless. Despite the lopsided nature of the bout, Yamasaki allowed it to continue far longer than it should have, resulting in a prolonged and unnecessary beating. Dana White and fans alike condemned Yamasaki for his failure to protect the fighter, and the fight is often cited as an example of poor refereeing.
4. Steve Mazzagatti: Kevin Burns vs. Anthony Johnson (UFC Fight Night 14, 2008)
Steve Mazzagatti makes the list again with his controversial call in the fight between Kevin Burns and Anthony Johnson. Burns repeatedly poked Johnson in the eye throughout the fight, but Mazzagatti failed to take any action. In the third round, Johnson was poked in the eye again, but instead of penalizing Burns, Mazzagatti called the fight in his favor via TKO, believing Johnson had been knocked out. The decision was later overturned, and a rematch was held, but the incident remains a glaring example of poor refereeing.
5. Dan Miragliotta: Dustin Poirier vs. Eddie Alvarez II (UFC 211, 2017)
In this highly anticipated rematch, Eddie Alvarez landed an illegal knee to a downed Dustin Poirier. Referee Dan Miragliotta deemed the strike accidental and allowed the fight to continue. However, Poirier was unable to continue, and the bout was ruled a no-contest. Many fans and analysts believe that Alvarez should have been disqualified for the illegal strike, as it clearly altered the outcome of the fight. The decision left a sour taste and led to calls for better enforcement of rules in similar situations.
Fight.TV breaks down Referee calls
Refereeing in MMA is an incredibly difficult job, and mistakes are bound to happen. However, some errors are more egregious than others, leading to widespread criticism and controversy. While these referees have faced backlash for their decisions, it’s important to remember that the pressure they face is immense. That said, these calls serve as reminders of the importance of accurate and timely officiating in the sport of MMA. As the sport continues to evolve, so too must the standards and practices of those responsible for keeping fighters safe.
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