UFC president Dana White did not mince words when he addressed the media following a controversial fight at Saturday's UFC Fight Night in Austin, Texas. The bout in question saw Jalin Turner emerge victorious over Bobby Green after a first-round knockout that has since drawn widespread criticism due to the perceived delayed intervention by referee Kerry Hatley.
Despite Hatley's extensive background officiating UFC matches, his hesitation to halt the fight immediately after Turner rendered Green unconscious has become a major talking point. For a concerning 12 seconds, Turner was allowed to continue delivering strikes to his incapacitated opponent before Hatley stepped in to stop the contest.
"It was one of the worst I've ever seen," White declared in a post-event interview, clearly frustrated with the referee's performance. He recalled past instances where referees have made questionable statements justifying their decisions, but noted that Hatley recognized his mistake and regretted the oversight.
Turner Defends His Actions
Turner, on his part, stood by his actions during the fight, emphasizing that it is the fighter's job to keep going until the referee intervenes. This protocol is ingrained in fighters to prevent premature cessation of action, ensuring clear outcomes. However, this incident has highlighted the delicate balance between a fighter's duty and the referee's role in ensuring athlete safety.
The fight officially lasted two minutes and forty-nine seconds, ending in a victory for Turner who was able to walk away from the Octagon under his own power. Despite the controversy surrounding the stoppage, Green displayed sportsmanship, choosing not to blame Hatley for the outcome. Instead, he took to Instagram to commend Turner's performance and his readiness to step in on short notice.
Green's original opponent was Dan Hooker, who had to withdraw because of an arm injury. Turner seized the moment, accepting the co-headlining fight with only nine days' preparation. His decision paid off as he snapped a two-fight losing streak and improved his UFC record to 7-4, with all his wins coming by way of knockout or submission.
Community Reactions
The MMA community did not hold back its views on the late stoppage, with many expressing concerns about the implications for fighter health and safety. During the live ESPN broadcast, former champion Michael Bisping condemned the late stoppage, questioning what Hatley was waiting for and stressing the potential risks to the fighters' lives and long-term health.
"He was face down, getting teed off on by a world-class, very powerful striker. Kerry Hatley is a great referee, but what the hell was he waiting for?" Bisping remarked, calling the situation "utterly disgusting and disgraceful."
Daniel Cormier, a former two-weight UFC champion, echoed these sentiments on social media, branding the stoppage as "one of the absolute worst stoppages in MMA history." Cormier pointed out the severity of the situation, with the fighter prone on the ground and taking punches without timely intervention from the referee.
UFC lightweight Chase Hooper described the incident as "brutal," criticizing the lack of protection for a fighter who was clearly unable to defend himself intelligently. Dustin Poirier, the former interim lightweight champion, also labeled it a "horrible stoppage."
The MMA community awaits further actions or statements from the UFC and relevant regulatory authorities regarding this incident. The overarching sentiment is clear: fighter safety should be paramount, and referees play a critical role in upholding this standard. As the sport continues to evolve, so too must the practices and protocols that safeguard the well-being of its athletes.
In the wake of such events, discussions within the MMA industry often intensify around the need for consistent and rigorous referee training and perhaps even the implementation of additional safeguards to prevent similar occurrences in the future. As always, the health and safety of fighters remain at the forefront of the sport's ongoing development and regulation.