UFC President Dana White has once again launched criticism at referee Steve Mazzagatti following a disputed stoppage in a fight involving Ben Rothwell and Cain Velasquez. The incident took place years ago at UFC 104, but White’s frustration with Mazzagatti’s officiating remains a notable topic in MMA circles, underscoring ongoing concerns over referee decisions in the sport.
White’s sharp disapproval of Mazzagatti’s calls has been evident over several occasions, with the UFC boss openly disputing referee decisions that he believes unfairly influence match outcomes. His recent comments highlight how such officiating disputes continue to spark tension within UFC’s ranks and among fight fans.
Ben Rothwell’s Early Stoppage Against Cain Velasquez Fueled Criticism
Veteran fighter Ben Rothwell, who currently holds the BKFC heavyweight title, faced Cain Velasquez twice in MMA, with the first meeting held at UFC 104 being particularly contentious. Despite Rothwell’s experience and a pro record of 30-6 before the fight, he lost via a referee stoppage that many, including White, found premature.
Velasquez appeared to be on the verge of finishing Rothwell early in the second round through relentless pressure, but the controversy arose when Mazzagatti stopped the fight as Rothwell was attempting to stand. This decision immediately provoked protests from Rothwell and others, including White, who publicly stated that the call was a mistake.
White’s outrage over Mazzagatti’s officiating was clear, recalling his notable nine-minute rant after UFC 161 as an example of his longstanding frustration with the referee. Following UFC 104, White reportedly addressed both fighters in a video blog, criticizing Mazzagatti directly for his handling of the bout, which fueled ongoing debates about officiating standards in MMA.
Dana White’s Track Record of Referencing Mazzagatti in Criticism
Dana White has frequently used Steve Mazzagatti’s name to highlight flawed officiating beyond their initial disputes. The UFC president’s criticisms extend to other referees, drawing parallels between Mazzagatti’s calls and recent controversial decisions in UFC events.
For instance, in 2020, referee Chris Tognoni incorrectly ruled that Mike Rodriguez delivered a low blow during a fight against Ed Herman. Subsequent replays proved it was a legal strike to the body, prompting White to evoke Mazzagatti’s name once again in expressing his displeasure.
“It’s hard not to bang on this guy. The worst I’ve ever seen,”
White stated to the media.
“That’s some Mazzagatti-level s— right there. That was one of the worst things I’ve ever seen.”
– Dana White, UFC President
This comparison emphasizes how White continues to associate Mazzagatti with some of the most questionable referee decisions in recent UFC history, signaling ongoing dissatisfaction with the officiating oversight in the sport.
Wider Impact of Refereeing on UFC and Combat Sports
White’s repeated condemnation of refereeing mistakes, particularly those linked to Steve Mazzagatti, highlights broader concerns within the UFC and combat sports about fight fairness and officiating reliability. These disputes not only affect fighters’ careers but also influence public perception of the sport’s integrity.
As competition grows with new promoters entering arenas like boxing, such as Eddie Hearn, careful scrutiny of officiating standards will remain crucial for the UFC’s reputation and for maintaining fan trust. Fighters like Tito Ortiz, with well-documented relationships with White, and emerging talent continue to watch these developments closely, as referee decisions can significantly shape MMA careers.
Looking ahead, how the UFC addresses referee accountability and ensures consistent officiating will be key to avoiding similar controversies. With fighter safety and match legitimacy on the line, the ongoing debate around officials like Steve Mazzagatti will likely influence future policy changes and training within the sport’s regulatory framework.
