UFC President Dana White did not mince words when he criticized referee Kerry Hatley for what he deemed a significantly delayed stoppage during the UFC Fight Night event in Austin, Texas. The fight in question saw Jalin Turner facing off against Bobby Green, with a controversial ending that has sparked widespread debate within the MMA community.
The incident occurred after Turner knocked Green unconscious in the opening round. Despite Green's defenseless state, Hatley failed to intervene promptly, allowing Turner to continue delivering strikes for an additional 12 seconds before finally halting the bout. White, known for his forthrightness, described the lapse as "one of the worst I've ever seen" during a post-event interview.
White also referenced past justifications given by referees for late stoppages, which he dismissed as nonsensical, but noted that Hatley was aware of his mistake and regretted the oversight. Turner, on his part, defended his actions by stating that it is a fighter's job to keep fighting until the referee steps in.
Fighter Reactions
The fight, which lasted a total of two minutes and forty-nine seconds, ended with Green exiting the Octagon without assistance. In the aftermath, Green refrained from criticizing Hatley and instead took to Instagram to commend Turner's performance. He emphasized sportsmanship, expressing contentment for Turner's success, especially considering Turner had accepted the fight on just nine days' notice after Dan Hooker withdrew due to injury.
Turner capitalized on the opportunity, bringing an end to his two-fight losing streak and boosting his UFC record to seven wins and four losses. Impressively, all of Turner’s victories in the UFC have been secured through knockouts or submissions, showcasing his finishing capabilities inside the octagon.
Community Outcry
The late stoppage has raised serious concerns about fighter safety, prompting figures within the MMA industry to speak out. During the live ESPN broadcast, former champion Michael Bisping expressed his dismay at the situation, questioning why Hatley hesitated to step in sooner. Bisping highlighted the severe risks associated with such delayed interventions, pointing to the potential long-term health implications for fighters.
Former two-weight UFC champion Daniel Cormier took to social media to condemn the stoppage as "one of the absolute worst stoppages in MMA history." Cormier underscored the peril of the moment, with a fighter left prone on the mat absorbing unnecessary punishment.
UFC lightweight Chase Hooper echoed these sentiments, labeling the incident as "brutal" and pointing out that Green was unable to defend himself intelligently while under assault from Turner. Hooper suggested that the fight should have been stopped after the first couple of shots landed on the ground.
Even former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier joined the chorus of disapproval, calling the stoppage "horrible." As the MMA community continues to process the event, there is a collective call for the UFC and governing bodies to address the incident and potentially review protocols to prevent similar situations in the future.
Such incidents shine a spotlight on the critical role referees play in ensuring the safety of fighters. They are tasked with making split-second decisions that can have lasting impacts on the athletes' well-being. The reaction from the MMA community serves as a reminder of the gravity of this responsibility and the need for continuous evaluation and training to uphold the highest standards of fighter safety.
As the sport continues to evolve, the conversation around referee performance and accountability remains a pivotal aspect of its growth. The response from regulatory authorities regarding the incident at UFC Fight Night in Austin will be closely monitored by fighters, fans, and stakeholders alike, who seek assurance that athlete safety remains a top priority in mixed martial arts competition.