UFC chief Dana White has lambasted referee Mario Yamasaki after the official’s controversial call in UFC Fight Night 112’s main event between Kevin Lee and Michael Chiesa.
Yamasaki came in for criticism after he called the bout in favour of Lee after he had secured a rear-naked choke on Chiesa near the end of Round 1; Chiesa, however, didn’t appear to tap out or lose consciousness.
Needless to say, White wasn’t pleased with the decision when he reflected on the fight on Instagram *Warning, contains expletive language*:
As reported by MMA Junkie, White referred to Yamasaki as “Mazzagatti” in his social media post in reference to referee Steve Mazzagatti, who he has criticised in the past, too.
Here is a look back at the controversial stoppage that saw Lee take a big win at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, per Fox Sports: UFC:
After the call, there are audible boos from the crowd, while Chiesa can be seen exclaiming that he “didn’t tap.”
In the post-fight press conference the beaten man said Yamasaki should “never referee again” after this controversial call, per MMA journalist Mike Bohn.
Lee was in control of the bout for much of the first round, and given the hold was locked in tight, it’s likely the contest would have ended with this manoeuvre anyway.
However, as noted by referee John McCarthy, in line with UFC laws, the fight was ended prematurely:
MMA journalist Luke Thomas was one of the few on social media to show some sympathy for the maligned referee:
As noted by the initial source, Chiesa suggested he would be keen on a rematch in December after this controversial ending. However, Lee made it clear he wants to take on the impressive Khabib Nurmagomedov next.
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