UFC referee Herb Dean found himself in the spotlight once again during the UFC 325 co-main event featuring Dan Hooker and Benoit Saint Denis. The fight started with both fighters exchanging blows, but it was Saint Denis who began to dominate as the fight progressed.
In the second round, things took a turn for the worse for Hooker as Saint Denis landed several impactful strikes after a takedown. Despite a submission attempt, Hooker struggled to escape from under the Frenchman. Saint Denis unleashed a barrage of punches and elbows, causing Hooker to suffer a cut and leaving him unable to defend himself effectively.
Throughout the second round, Dean allowed the fight to continue despite Hooker being visibly overwhelmed by Saint Denis. Eventually, at the 4:46 mark of the second round, Dean decided to call off the fight, although Hooker had already sustained significant damage.
Many MMA personalities, including Ariel Helwani, criticized the late stoppage, with some suggesting that the fight should have been stopped earlier. Saint Denis, on the other hand, celebrated his victory and called for a title shot after improving his MMA record to 17-3-1 with three consecutive wins.
As for Hooker, it was another tough loss for him, marking his second consecutive defeat. Despite entering the fight with confidence, Hooker was unable to secure a victory against Saint Denis. The Frenchman’s impressive performance solidified his position in the division and raised the question of whether he is ready for a title shot.
In conclusion, the controversial decision by Herb Dean to let the fight continue despite Hooker’s inability to defend himself has sparked debate within the MMA community. While Saint Denis emerged victorious, the late stoppage raised concerns about fighter safety and the responsibilities of referees in ensuring a fair and safe competition.
