Merab Dvalishvili's coach Ray Longo has aimed a fiery tirade at MMA referees after a controversial stoppage at UFC Baku on Saturday night.
What happened?
Longo's rant came after Nazim Sadykhov, a fighter he coached, was stopped by Matheus Camilo in 91 seconds.
Longo believes Sadykhov should have been given the chance to continue due to his reputation as a fighter who can bounce back from adversity.
Why it matters for Merab Dvalishvili
The controversy surrounding the stoppage has sparked a wider debate about the consistency of refereeing in the UFC, with Longo calling for referees to be more consistent in their decision-making.
On Monday, Longo vented his frustration on the Anik & Florian podcast, saying that referees like Rich Mitchell, who officiated the Sadykhov-Camilo fight, are affecting the futures of fighters.
What comes next?
Longo quickly apologized for his comments, but doubled down on his criticism of the referees, saying that they need to understand the repercussions of their decisions on the fighters.
The incident has sparked a petition calling for veteran official Herb Dean to be fired from his job, with Alex Pereira sharing the petition on social media.
Longo's comments have added fuel to the fire, with many in the MMA community calling for greater consistency in refereeing.
The UFC has yet to comment on the controversy, but it is likely that the incident will be reviewed and discussed in the coming days.
Longo's apology came after he realized he had gone too far in his criticism, but he remains adamant that referees need to be held to a higher standard.
The controversy surrounding the stoppage is a reminder of the importance of consistent and accurate refereeing in the UFC, and it will be interesting to see how the situation develops in the coming days.
The UFC Baku event took place on Saturday, June 30, 2026, and the controversy surrounding the stoppage has been a major talking point in the MMA community.
Longo's comments have sparked a wider debate about the role of referees in the UFC, and it is likely that the incident will have a lasting impact on the sport.
The petition calling for Herb Dean to be fired has gained significant traction on social media, with many fans and fighters calling for greater accountability from referees.
The UFC will likely face pressure to address the controversy and provide clarity on the refereeing standards in the coming days.
The incident has also raised questions about the safety of fighters and the need for referees to prioritize their well-being above all else.
Longo's criticism of the referees has been supported by many in the MMA community, who believe that consistent and accurate refereeing is essential for the sport.
The controversy surrounding the stoppage is a reminder of the importance of fair and consistent refereeing in the UFC, and it will be interesting to see how the situation develops in the coming days.