Herb Dean faces scrutiny for refereeing decisions in MMA bouts
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 3, 2026, 6:19 AM
Last updated Jul 3, 2026
Referee Herb Dean has come under fire for his handling of recent matches in the UFC. Following an incident during a fight between Michel Pereira and Sharabutdin Magomedov, where Magomedov was not penalized for a hair-pulling foul, concerns about Dean’s enforcement of rules have increased. Critics argue that his leniency during bouts allows fighters to commit fouls without repercussions, which can compromise fighter safety. As discussions about refereeing standards in MMA continue, many fighters have expressed a preference for not having Dean officiate their matches.
- •Herb Dean involved in controversy over officiating in MMA matches.
- •Michel Pereira faced Sharabutdin Magomedov, with fouls not penalized.
- •Dean's leniency has raised concerns about fighter safety and rule enforcement.
- •Many fighters reportedly prefer not to have Dean as a referee.
- 6:19 AMYahoo Sports — Opinion: The UFC has a refereeing problem, and Herb Dean is at the center of it
"Referee reviews of some sort are needed in mixed martial arts. Herb Dean keeps blowing it and nothing is changing, writes Dayne Fox.
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