The past few weeks have produced several controversial refereeing decisions.
One of the biggest talking points coming out of the UFC’s return to Abu Dhabi this past weekend was Jason Herzog’s highly criticized actions.
While the fight was eventually stopped by the doctor, many felt like Mohammad Yahya should’ve been pulled out of his matchup with Steven Nguyen much earlier before he took more unnecessary damage.
The first event in the PFL’s World Tournament finals also had its fair share of controversy on Friday night.
While one referee completely missed a fighter’s tap, another made a big call that immediately ended an incredibly entertaining bout.
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Referee Keith Peterson waves off PFL fight after Eslam Abdul Baset is slow to react to his instructions between rounds
In Atlantic City on August 1, Jordan Newman looked to remain undefeated in his PFL debut when facing off with Eslam Abdul Baset.
Despite coming in as a huge favorite, the American was forced to weather some early adversity after being dropped by his opponent in the opening 30 seconds.
Newman was able to find his way back into the fight during the first round and ended it in the ascendancy, dropping Abdul Baset with a huge knee and pouring on the pressure in the last minute.
While the wrestling specialist would’ve hoped to have picked up from where he left off at the start of the second, the fight never made it this far.
Referee Keith Peterson earned the nickname ‘no nonsense’ for good reason with his decisive officiating coming into play between rounds.
Peterson clearly said to Abdul Baset’s corner that he doesn’t want to fight, offering him one last chance to get off his stool to start the second round.
When the fighter was slow to react to the referee’s instructions, though he did stand up shortly after, Peterson waved the fight off, leaving Abdul Baset frustrated as he looked to his coaches and questioned the stoppage.
Fans take Keith Peterson’s side and claim Eslam Abdul Baset quit in between rounds
In several videos that were posted of the stoppage on social media, fans took Keith Peterson’s side and clearly agreed with his decision to stop the fight.
While Eslam Abdul Baset did answer his instructions, the referee made it clear that this was his last chance and when he repeatedly gestured to the fighter to get off the stool, there was a delayed reaction which led to fans criticizing the 20-fight veteran.
‘I feel like he owes me 5 dollars quitting like that’.
‘Hilarious, bro just stand up.’
‘Damn at least stand up to quit …. After the referee walks away and raise his arms, don’t stand up and start the tough guy act.’
‘No nonsense Keith Peterson living up to the name.’