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Herb Dean responds to UFC White House criticism, explains why he didn’t intervene during Ciryl Gane vs. Alex Pereira
MMA Fighting • • general
Key Points:
- At UFC White House, referee Dean officiated the interim heavyweight title fight where Ciryl Gane defeated Alex Pereira in the second round without any eye-poke issues, unlike Gane's previous fight.
- Controversy arose as Gane landed a series of punches to the back of Pereira's head after dropping him, which Pereira claimed were illegal and blamed Dean for not stopping the fight.
- Pereira publicly criticized Dean and suggested the UFC should take action against him for allowing the punches to continue.
- Dean responded on Instagram, explaining the specific MMA rule regarding strikes to the back of the head, clarifying that punches to the nape of the neck are illegal, but those to the side and certain areas behind the head are permitted.
- Dean emphasized respect for both fighters and aimed to clarify the confusion around the rule, asserting that Gane’s strikes were within the allowed areas and that his refereeing was correct.
