Alex Poatan and the controversy over refereeing in the UFC
The Brazilian fighter questions referee after loss to Ciryl Gane
Alex Poatan, after being knocked out in the second round by Ciryl Gane at the White House, publicly questioned referee Herb Dean's performance, claiming that some blows hit the back of the head and should have been stopped.
Poatan and the criticism of the referee
The Brazilian even stated that Gane's attacks were illegal and demanded that the referee stop the sequence of blows. Dean, in turn, defended his performance, explaining that the attacks were within the rules.
Kevin Holland reacts to the episode
The 33-year-old fighter, who had previously lost to Gane, emphasized that athletes need to take responsibility for situations that happen in the octagon. Holland said that referees are there to protect competitors, but fighters also have to protect themselves.
Poatan seeks rematch and names ideal date
In an interview with UFC Brazil, Poatan reinforced his campaign for a rematch against Gane, stating that Tom Aspinall's absence paved the way for the fight. He revealed that he ideally would like to face Gane at Madison Square Garden in November.
Heavyweight scenario gains clarity
Aspinall's withdrawal, who relinquished the title due to injury, puts Poatan back in pursuit of the division's top spot. Gane, who became interim champion, could become linear champion and await an opponent.
Poatan, a prominent fighter in the UFC
Since 2021, Poatan has risen in MMA, winning titles in the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions and defeating names like Israel Adesanya, Jamahal Hill, Jan Błachowicz, Jiri Prochazka, Khalil Rountree Jr., Magomed Ankalaev, and Sean Strickland.
With information from LANCE!, Super Lutas.
Source: LANCE!, Super Lutas