In a recent UFC Fight Night held in Austin, Texas, controversy overshadowed the event as UFC president Dana White issued a stern rebuke of veteran referee Kerry Hatley's handling of the bout between Jalin Turner and Bobby Green. The match ended with a first-round knockout victory for Turner, but not without contention regarding the timing of the stoppage.
Delayed Stoppage Sparks Outrage
The incident in question occurred after Turner landed a decisive blow that rendered Green unconscious. However, despite Green's apparent incapacitation, Hatley failed to immediately halt the fight. This delay allowed Turner to land additional strikes for approximately 12 seconds before the referee intervened—a decision that has since been heavily criticized by figures within the MMA community.
Dana White did not mince words in his post-event interview, describing the late stoppage as "one of the worst I've ever seen." White highlighted the potential danger of such delays, contrasting Hatley's mistake with past referees who have made controversial statements justifying similar actions. White acknowledged that Hatley was remorseful about the oversight, but maintained that the situation was regrettable nonetheless.
Turner, on his part, defended his actions by emphasizing the fighter's role to continue until the referee steps in. He expressed that while he recognized the delayed stoppage, he had to fulfill his responsibility as a competitor within the rules of the sport.
The fight officially lasted two minutes and forty-nine seconds, concluding with Green exiting the Octagon unassisted. In a display of sportsmanship, Green refrained from casting blame on Hatley and instead praised Turner for his performance, stating on Instagram, "You win some, you lose some, I guess," and commending Turner for seizing the opportunity presented to him.
Green's Sportsmanship Amid Controversy
Bobby Green's initial opponent was supposed to be Dan Hooker, who withdrew due to an arm injury. Turner stepped in on nine days' notice, taking the co-headlining spot and ultimately snapping a two-fight losing streak. With this victory, Turner improved his UFC record to 7-4, with all wins coming by way of knockout or submission.
Community Calls for Increased Fighter Safety
The MMA community has been vocal in its criticism of the late stoppage, raising concerns about the implications for fighter safety. During the ESPN broadcast of the event, former champion Michael Bisping conveyed his disapproval, questioning Hatley's judgment and stressing the potential dangers to fighters' lives and long-term health. Bisping called the incident "utterly disgusting and disgraceful."
Other prominent figures like former two-weight UFC champion Daniel Cormier took to social media to express their dismay, with Cormier labeling it "one of the absolute worst stoppages in MMA history." He underscored the seriousness of the situation, pointing out the vulnerability of a fighter receiving blows while defenseless on the ground without timely intervention from the referee.
UFC lightweight Chase Hooper described the scene as "brutal" and emphasized that Green was not in a position to defend himself intelligently during the onslaught. Dustin Poirier, a former interim lightweight champion, also characterized the stoppage as "horrible."
The outcry has prompted discussions within the MMA community about the importance of ensuring fighter safety, with many awaiting responses or actions from the UFC and regulatory bodies concerning the incident.
As the debate continues, the incident at UFC Fight Night in Austin serves as a stark reminder of the critical role referees play in protecting fighters. It underscores the need for constant vigilance and swift decision-making in the heat of combat, where every second can make a difference in safeguarding the well-being of athletes who put their physical health on the line for the sport they love.
The UFC has yet to issue formal statements or take any publicized action in response to the incident. However, the widespread condemnation from high-profile members of the MMA community may prompt a review of refereeing protocols and procedures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.