Herb Dean is one of the most well-known referees in the world. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.
Even weeks after UFC White House , Herb Dean continues to be involved in controversies. After the situation involving the fight between Shara Magomedov and Michel Pereira at the last event promoted by the Ultimate in Baku, several sports personalities have shown dissatisfaction with the referee's work. In the latest edition of the 'Big Brown Breakdown' podcast, former fighter Brendan Schaub publicly commented on the decisions recently made by the referee.
According to Schaub, Dean's failure to make important decisions throughout the fight stems from his desire to remain uninvolved in the outcome, thus avoiding unfair advantages. Ironically, according to the former fighter, this absence has benefited athletes who commit fouls.
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“The story about Magomedov’s fight against Michel Pereira isn’t about the ‘Shara Bullet.’ It’s about the fact that Herb Dean once again found himself in the middle of a controversy. I think the problem for Herb is that he doesn’t want to interfere in the fight and end up being one of the reasons why a fighter loses, or something like that. But when you’re in that octagon, you’re the sheriff. You need to make sure things are happening according to the rules. You have to do that. That’s what you’re there for. He simply doesn’t take responsibility,” he stated.
Shara grabbed Michel's hair in the first round, was warned twice, had the warning repeated by Herb before round two with a translator present, and then committed a blatant eye poke in the third round, yet walked away from all three fouls without a single point deducted. pic.twitter.com/Dr8XUVjjRV
— CCM (@CCombatMedia) June 28, 2026
Brendan Schaub recalled the controversy with Alex Poatan.
Next, the American recalled the controversy surrounding the fight between Alex Poatan and Ciryl Gane , as well as Vinícius Lokdog 's knockout against Andre Fili . He cited the video recorded by the referee immediately after UFC Casa Branca and made it clear that he believes it's a problem specific to Dean, and not the refereeing system.
“When he released that statement or showed the video after Poatan’s fight, I thought, ‘Well, this isn’t good at all.’ Then there was the next fight, with our friend (Andre) Fili, where it became very clear that this has become a pattern. It’s not happening with all referees; it’s happening with Herb Dean. That’s three cases in a row. There comes a point where you need to intervene; I simply don’t understand why you’re so afraid to take away a point. Why are you so afraid?” he questioned.
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