Veteran mixed martial arts referee Herb Dean had a close view of one of the year`s most jarring knockouts.
Dean was the official inside the octagon for the featured preliminary middleweight clash at UFC 317 between Gregory Rodrigues and Jack Hermansson. The fight concluded dramatically when Rodrigues landed a powerful punch that immediately rendered Hermansson unconscious on the canvas.
Compounding the severity of the knockout was a follow-up strike Rodrigues landed on the defenseless Hermansson. This disturbing sequence prompted reactions from fellow fighters, with many acknowledging Rodrigues` devastating power while at least one prominent voice questioned whether Dean intervened quickly enough.
UFC middleweight Eryk Anders was among those commenting, stating on social media that “Herb Dean has lost a step.”
This incident adds to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Dean, a highly experienced referee who has faced criticism in recent years. Past instances include UFC commentator Joe Rogan`s critique of Dean`s officiating at UFC 306 and former commentator Dan Hardy`s memorable outburst over a perceived late stoppage during a July 2020 event.
