UFC President Dana White did not mince words when he addressed what he deemed a significant officiating misstep during the UFC Fight Night in Austin, Texas. The bout in question featured lightweights Jalin Turner and Bobby Green, with referee Kerry Hatley at the center of the controversy due to a delayed stoppage that has sparked widespread criticism within the mixed martial arts (MMA) community.
Despite Hatley's extensive experience as an official in the sport, his hesitation to halt the fight after Turner rendered Green unconscious in the opening round has been met with strong disapproval. Turner delivered a series of unanswered strikes for approximately 12 seconds before Hatley intervened—a delay that White described in a post-event interview as "one of the worst I've ever seen."
White's Critique and Turner's Defense
The UFC president's critique extended beyond the immediate incident, referencing past errors by other referees and their attempts to justify controversial decisions. However, he acknowledged that Hatley recognized his mistake and regretted the oversight.
Turner, on his part, stood by his actions inside the Octagon, stating that it is a fighter's duty to continue the assault until the referee steps in. This sentiment underscores a fundamental aspect of MMA competition, where fighters are trained to engage fully until officially stopped by the referee.
Green's Gracious Response
The fight, which lasted two minutes and 49 seconds, ended with Green exiting the Octagon without assistance. Remarkably, Green refrained from criticizing Hatley. Instead, he took to social media to commend Turner's performance, embodying sportsmanship even in defeat. Green highlighted the importance of maintaining composure in victory and loss alike, offering praise to Turner for seizing the opportunity on short notice and achieving success.
Originally, Green was slated to face Dan Hooker, but after Hooker withdrew due to an arm injury, Turner stepped in with just nine days' notice. His victory over Green marked a return to form, snapping a two-fight losing streak and improving his UFC record to 7-4, with all wins coming via knockout or submission.
Community Reaction and Concerns for Fighter Safety
The late stoppage has raised concerns about fighter safety—an issue that resonates deeply within the MMA community. Live on ESPN, former champion Michael Bisping voiced his dismay, questioning Hatley's delayed reaction and stressing the potential life-altering consequences such oversights can have on a fighter's health.
Former two-weight UFC champion Daniel Cormier, among others, took to social media to express outrage, labeling the stoppage as one of the worst in MMA history. Cormier's comments echoed the sentiment of urgency and protection needed for fighters who are no longer able to defend themselves competently in the heat of battle.
UFC lightweight Chase Hooper and former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier also joined the chorus of disapproval, with Hooper describing the scene as "brutal" and Poirier condemning it as a "horrible stoppage." These reactions underline the gravity of the situation and the responsibility referees hold in ensuring the wellbeing of the athletes under their supervision.
The MMA community now awaits any forthcoming actions or statements from the UFC and relevant regulatory authorities in response to the incident. Such situations often lead to reviews of officiating protocols and discussions aimed at enhancing the safety measures in place to protect fighters from unnecessary harm.
In conclusion, while the swift and decisive nature of MMA competition places immense pressure on referees to make split-second decisions, the consensus following the Turner-Green bout is clear: fighter safety must always be paramount, and officials must act decisively to uphold this standard. As the UFC and the broader MMA community reflect on this event, the hope is that it will serve as a catalyst for further improvements in the sport's officiating practices.