Sterling Urges Herb Dean Demotion After 20-18 Nkuta Lead Vanishes in Controversial Submission Call
Updated
Updated · MMA Fighting · May 19
Sterling Urges Herb Dean Demotion After 20-18 Nkuta Lead Vanishes in Controversial Submission Call
6 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · May 19
Aljamain Sterling said Herb Dean should be moved to lower-level events after Saturday’s MVP MMA ruling gave Adriano Moraes a submission win over Phumi Nkuta.
The dispute centers on the final seconds: Moraes kept a rear-naked choke after the bell, Nkuta briefly lost consciousness, and Dean joined a New Jersey commission review that ruled he was out before time expired.
Two scorecards had Nkuta ahead 20-18 entering Round 3, so Sterling argued Dean’s call erased a likely decision win and should instead have triggered a disqualification for the post-bell choke.
Sterling said Dean and other veteran officials are shielded by a 'good old boys club,' arguing for formal review and more chances for newer referees at major events.
Will this controversial finish on Netflix force MMA to finally modernize its refereeing and accountability?
Was the fighter truly out before the bell, or did a controversial call spoil MMA's record-breaking night?