McCarthy Backs Herb Dean in Pereira's Round 2 TKO Appeal as Gane Defends Interim Heavyweight Belt
Updated
Updated · MMA Junkie · Jun 18
McCarthy Backs Herb Dean in Pereira's Round 2 TKO Appeal as Gane Defends Interim Heavyweight Belt
1 articles · Updated · MMA Junkie · Jun 18
Summary
John McCarthy said Alex Pereira’s movement while grabbing Ciryl Gane’s leg was the key factor in the disputed finishing sequence, making some strikes drift toward the back of the head during the Round 2 TKO.
McCarthy said that under MMA officiating standards, a legal shot can become off-target when the defending fighter shifts position, and referees typically warn the attacker rather than immediately halt a finishing exchange.
Herb Dean, who drew Pereira’s criticism after UFC Freedom 250 at the White House, was given the benefit of the doubt by McCarthy, who said the referee may not have had a clear angle on every blow in real time.
Pereira, now 13-4 in MMA and 10-3 in the UFC, has said he will appeal the loss to Gane, 14-2 and 11-2 in the UFC, after posting photos of lumps on the back of his head and asking that Dean not officiate his fights again.