The UFC’s return to Paris has delivered more than just an electric atmosphere.
September 6 still has several fights to go and it already has produced some incredible highlights.
A shocking one-minute KO is just one of several impressive finishes that have taken place at UFC Paris following a fast-paced prelim card.
There was even a rarely seen leg kick stoppage that led to a new arrival on the roster making his way out of the Octagon in a wheelchair.
However, while the performance itself was impressive, there was one highlight that led to more criticism than praise due to the referee’s actions.
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Fans call out Herb Dean following his controversial stoppage at UFC Paris
The main card of UFC Paris featured a welterweight matchup where the home crowd could get behind a new debuting star.
Axel Sola earned Conor McGregor comparisons early on in his first performance inside the Octagon thanks to his slick striking.
In the third round, he was able to drop his opponent, Rhys McKee, with a body shot that looked like it was going to be the beginning of the end.
Sola followed up with several ground strikes that didn’t appear to do massive amounts of damage before the referee, Herb Dean, stepped in to call the fight off.
McKee instantly rose to his feet and made his disappointment very clear, with a lot of fans on social media agreeing with him that the official had been too eager to end the bout.
‘Herb Dean had no business in MMA. None. He’s a joke.’
‘Herb Dean has got to allow Rhys McKee to work out of this position. He jumped in too quickly once again.’
‘Herb Dean strikes again.’
‘It’s time for Herb Dean to retire.
‘What an absolutely horrific stoppage that is. Head up Rhys McKee you are a scrapper and will be back, disgraceful from Herb Dean.’
‘Herb Dean is such a s— ref. What a horrible stoppage of a great fight.’
‘Referee removed: Herb Dean.’
Axel Sola got the UFC Paris finishes back on track following a slight blip
While there was plenty of criticism for Herb Dean’s stoppage, many made the case that it didn’t affect the winner due to Axel Sola being ahead on the scorecards, not that this justifies it.
Dean’s decision did lead to UFC Paris getting back to fights ending via finish which has been a relatively consistent theme of the night, aside from the matchup between William Gomis and Robert Ruchala.