Dan Hardy slams referee for late stoppage

UFC concluded its month-long run on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi last night. The night ended with a middleweight battle between Darren Till and Robert Whittaker but UFC commentator Dan Hardy was one of the most talked-about fighters of the night.

Former welterweight contender Dan Hardy has retired and has transitioned to commentary. Hardy was commentating the event and at the end of a preliminary fight between Francisco Trinaldo and Jai Herbert, Dan Hardy lost it live on air.

Hardy could be heard on the broadcast screaming at referee Herb Dean to stop the fight after Herbert was dropped by a punch that left him flat on his back. Hardy shouted at the referee to stop the fight immediately.

The referee waited until Trinaldo landed a few more punches before officially calling off the fight. 

Following the controversial stoppage, Hardy and Dean were seen having a conversation at the commentary desk. The details of the conversation are unknown but Hardy can be seen clearly upset. 

 On Sunday, Dan Hardy released a statement addressing the issues he had with the officiating. 

I love Mixed Martial Arts. Sometimes it doesn’t love me back though, and that’s alright. Regardless, I’ll always do everything in my power to protect it, and those dedicating themselves to it.

Sometimes you may disagree with me, and that’s alright as well. I’m always going to speak my mind, and it will always be backed by what I feel in my heart.

If you understand what it takes to get in there, then you understand my passion and anger when I see a fighter left unprotected. It isn’t the first time it’s happened, and twice in a night is clear negligence, in my opinion.

The referees job is more important than any other person in that building. It is on their shoulders to protect fighters from getting seriously hurt when they are unable to protect themselves.

You may just see UFC fighters in there, but I see friends, teammates, sons, daughters, mothers and fathers, competing in the sport that they love.

When I make a mistake, I look stupid on live TV. When a referee makes a mistake, people are left vulnerable and can be seriously damaged. That can be life-changing, and we all have someone to go home to, that loves us and wants us back in one piece.

Thank you for all of the kind words and messages I’ve received. I am truly grateful. I’ll see you all around…♥️