Controversial referee of UFC 306 main event Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili admits ONE thing about the Sphere event.
The recent Noche UFC (UFC 306) main event had many controversies. Merab Dvalishvili stopping the fight to quarrel with Sean O’Malley‘s coach was bizarre. Referee Herb Dean asking Merab to go on the offensive became a controversial incident of the fight. One of the best referees in the UFC made some startling remarks about UFC 306.
The commentary team took offense to how Dean officiated the bout. There was much backlash online as well. Weeks later, the referee addressed the grand spectacle celebrating Mexican Independence Day. During a recent interview with Helen Yee, the famous referee admitted that Noche UFC far exceeded his expectations with the visuals and production of the Sphere.
Man, that was amazing, Noche UFC. Whatever I was expecting, it far exceeded that. I really enjoyed and I’m just happy to be a part of a sport that’s doing something like this [event at the sphere.] Greatest sporting event ever.
The matchup between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili was one of the most anticipated bouts on the Noche UFC card. It marked O’Malley’s second title defense and Dvalishvili’s first shot at UFC gold. With the rivalry between the two fighters, anticipation within the fighting community was at an all-time high. However, many were dissatisfied with Dean’s officiating during the fight.
As a $20 million event, it lived up to its hype in terms of the fights as well as the visuals and storytelling. The entire production at Noche UFC was top-notch from start to finish, apart from a few blunders here and there. At times, the pressure of an event of such magnitude could get to you even as an experienced referee. Herb Dean defended himself, citing the pressure that comes with the job.
Referee Herb Dean opens up on the pressure inside the octagon after UFC 306
UFC 306 was not the only time Herb Dean faced criticism. UFC superstar Jorge Masvidal infamously labeled Dean as the worst referee. His officiating in the main event of UFC 303 also drew criticism. Alex Pereira brutally landed a head kick to knock Jiri Prochazka down. Dean didn’t stop the stop, and Prochazka suffered unnecessary shots to his head before the referee waived it off.
Herb Dean opens up on dealing with the pressure inside the Octagon. (via X)
In a recent interview with Helen Yee, Dean explained how he dealt with the pressure in the Octagon over the years. Despite the controversial stoppages, Dean has done a tremendous job over the years. Dana White thinks Dean is the best ever. Dean reveals what all are necessary to to a job well done inside the octagon.
I usually get the right frame of mind when I get in there. I review everything and also review what my job is. My job, my focus is to do the best I can for those two athletes that are in there at that time, and unfortunately it’s not about me.
All referees have their pros and cons. Herb Dean made one of the best stoppages in the main event of UFC 273. Alexander Volkanovski was pounding on The Korean Zombie non-stop. The strong chin of TKZ refused to go down. Dean eventually stopped and prevented further damage. This is one instance where the reviewing job as a referee resulted in the best possible decision being made.
