UFC president Dana White did not mince words when he spoke out against referee Kerry Hatley for what he deemed a significantly delayed stoppage during the UFC Fight Night clash between Jalin Turner and Bobby Green in Austin, Texas. Despite Hatley's seasoned tenure within the octagon, his judgment came under fire after Turner rendered Green unconscious with a strike in the first round, yet was allowed to continue delivering blows for an unsettling 12 seconds before intervention.
White's Harsh Rebuke
"It was one of the worst I've ever seen," White declared in a post-event interview. He went on to differentiate this incident from past refereeing errors by highlighting that although some referees have made questionable statements in defense of their actions, Hatley was aware of his mistake and regretted the oversight. The UFC president's comments reflect a broader concern for fighter safety that has become increasingly prominent in mixed martial arts.
Turner Defends His Actions
Turner, who emerged victorious just two minutes and 49 seconds into the fight, acknowledged the late stoppage but defended his actions. He maintained that a fighter's duty is to persist until the referee steps in. This adherence to protocol underscores a critical aspect of MMA fighting: the fighter's reliance on the referee's discretion to ensure their safety and that of their opponent.
Green, who was able to leave the Octagon without assistance despite the controversy, displayed commendable sportsmanship. He refrained from criticizing Hatley and instead praised Turner via Instagram, saying, "You win some, you lose some, I guess." Green emphasized the importance of grace in both victory and defeat and congratulated Turner for capitalizing on the opportunity presented to him.
The bout had been a pivot from Green's originally scheduled match against Dan Hooker, who withdrew due to an arm injury. Turner stepped in on short notice, halting a two-fight losing streak and improving his UFC record to 7-4, with all wins coming through knockouts or submissions.
Community Response
The MMA community responded with widespread criticism over the stoppage. Live on ESPN, former champion Michael Bisping voiced his disapproval, questioning Hatley's decision-making and stressing the potential risks to fighters' lives and long-term health. "He was face down, he was 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, pointing out the severity of the situation.
Joining the chorus of concern, former two-weight UFC champion Daniel Cormier took to social media to describe the stoppage as "one of the absolute worst stoppages in MMA history." Cormier underscored the danger of the moment, noting the fighter's vulnerable position on the ground, taking punches without timely intervention.
UFC lightweight Chase Hooper expressed his views succinctly, labeling the incident as "brutal" and asserting that the fighter was unable to defend himself intelligently throughout the ordeal. "Ref should've stopped it after one or two shots on the ground max," he stated, reflecting a sentiment shared by many within the sport.
Former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier also weighed in, concurring with his peers by calling it a "horrible stoppage." The collective dismay of such high-profile figures in MMA has drawn significant attention to the incident, prompting anticipation for a response or action from the UFC and other relevant authorities.
In the wake of the event, discussions about fighter safety have been reignited, with calls for stricter oversight and quicker interventions to protect athletes in the heat of combat. As the MMA community awaits further developments, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities referees bear and the critical role they play in safeguarding the well-being of fighters stepping into the octagon.