Last night, in the main event of UFC Fight Night 112 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, ranked UFC lightweights Kevin Lee and Michael Chiesa collided in an anticipated grudge match.
This clash of grappling specialists was a fun one while it lasted. Unfortunately, the end of the fight was shadowed in controversy. As the seconds fell off the clock in the first round, Lee took Chiesa’s back and locked up a rear-naked choke. Though the choke looked deep, referee Mario Yamasaki stopped it before any tap actually occurred. This meant a win on Lee’s record, but one with a definite asterisk attached.
Shortly after this controversial main event stoppage, UFC President Dana White took to Instagram to torch the referee with a fiery tirade, comparing him to another maligned ref in Steve Mazzagatti, and criticizing him for his trademark, pre-fight gesture.
advertisement – continue reading belowA post shared by Dana White (@danawhite) on
“Mario Mazzagatti does it again,” White said on Instagram. “This guy is more concerned with doing this dumb ass heart bullshit then Ref’n the fight!!! Steals a great moment from Lee or let Mike fight it or tap. Nobody gives a shit that u can make a heart with ur hands like a 12 year old girl they want u to pay attention to what’s going on in the fight and do ur job.”
What did you think of the early stoppage in the UFC Fight Night 112 main event? Do you share Dana White’s frustration?
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 6/26/2017.