Mazzagatti Out as Ref?
From Dave Meltzer at Yahoo Sports on the Griffin vs. Evans fight:
Griffin looked like he was tapping the ground as Mazzagatti stepped in, but Griffin claimed it was an involuntary body movement that looked like a tap.
UFC president Dana White was upset after the match at Mazzagatti, saying he thought the stoppage was late, but was more upset over an earlier stoppage in which Cheick Kongo was bludgeoning Mostapha Al-Turk.
“He’s a nice guy, but he’s not a referee,” said White.
Sure, maybe the stoppage was a little late, but I think if he would've jumped in earlier, people would have been complaining that the stoppage was early and Mazzagatti didn't give Forrest a chance to intelligently defend himself.
I do think the Kongo/Al-Turk stoppage came a bit late, but the stoppage I really had a problem with was Dollaway vs. Massenzio. I thought that was early. It was early in the fight, Massenzio hadn't taken much damage, and I think he was just biding his time for a minute, thinking of what to do when it was stopped. But, even when I think they're wrong, I tend to give the benefit of the doubt to the refs because they're in the cage and I'm not.
As I previously noted, Brock Lesnar is not a fan of Mazzagatti, and I'm sure if the UFC decides not to use his services anymore, they'll definitely mention that incident.
I like Mazzagatti, though -- If he's out, I'll really miss the days when he sported a 70s porn-star moustache.
-PreView
Assist: Bloody Elbow
Comments
He was known as Stevie
He was known as Stevie Schlong back in his porn start days. The CB stoppage was justified as Massenzio was doing nothing to defend himself and when you are getting cracked in the head like that you should know better than to bide your time.
I didn't see the Kingo fight yet as I ordered it on PPV but I only had sound in my bedroom and I was tired so I called Verizon and complained and got it for free!! Anyway, Forrest was cooked after the first shot and the other shots were just fuel to the fire but I also know champs and veterans tend to get the benefit of the doubt. Look at Lesnar-Couture, Randy took heavy punishment and was given time to try and work through it even though we all knew it was academic.
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It's not Dana White's call
It's not Dana White's call anyway. It's up to the State Athletic Commission who refs and who doesn't. The whole point of commissions is to avoid any manipulation of refs or conspiracy by the promotions.
So, White is entitled to his opinions and I'm sure the refs are evaluated by the commissions. Regardless, the final call is not White's to make (thankfully)...
Of course Dana's going to
Of course Dana's going to complain, Forrest is his guy! Now he has to deal with Evans as champ. Plus Jackson running around saying he wants revenge against Forrest before a title shot?! But Dana said the same thing about Herb and he's still refing
Wardog
And Caesar's spirit, ranging for revenge,
With Ate by his side come hot from hell,
Shall in these confines with a monarch's voice
Cry 'Havoc,' and let slip the dogs of war;
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