Photo via Yahoo Sports

Tanner Boser questions whether non-fighters should judge UFC bouts

UFC referee Herb Dean remains a polarizing figure in the sport after another contentious year in 2026, drawing criticism from fighters and fans alike. Despite the backlash, Dean has earned the vocal support of rising contender Josh Hokit, who recently dominated his last four fights—including three second-round stoppages—en route to a UFC deal.

Meanwhile, the promotion’s referee selection process faced renewed scrutiny after Alex Pereira accused the UFC of manipulating the scheduling to favor Ciryl Gane over him for the heavyweight title shot against Hokit at UFC 334 in November. The controversy escalated as Daniel Cormier denied Pereira’s claims, insisting he had no involvement in promoting Gane’s bid, while Dana White dismissed the allegations outright, reiterating his stance that he does not influence commentary or fighter narratives.

On the cards, UFC Vegas 122 marked the end of careers for veterans Gerald Meerschaert and Niko Price, while former lightweight prospect Ismael Bonfim was released following a first-round knockout loss to Francisco Prado. The fallout from these events has sparked broader debates about transparency in UFC decision-making, particularly regarding referee assignments and title-bout pairings.

Up nextMMA· 1h ago

11-0 UFC prospect says Khabib Nurmagomedov inspired him, his father helped shape path