Aljamain Sterling is voicing his outrage over a controversial decision made by referee Herb Dean during the MVP MMA: Rousey vs. Carano event, and he believes it could have serious implications for the sport. Sterling, a training partner of fighter Phumi Nkuta, is calling for accountability in officiating after a submission ruling that left many fans and fighters scratching their heads.
The drama unfolded during the preliminary bout between Nkuta and Adriano Moraes. In the final moments of the fight, Moraes had Nkuta locked in a rear-naked choke. Just as the bell rang, it appeared Nkuta may have lost consciousness, prompting officials to review the footage. Ultimately, the decision was made that Nkuta was out before the bell, awarding Moraes the victory by submission.
Sterling is far from satisfied with this outcome. On his podcast, The Weekly Scraps, he didn’t hold back his criticism of Dean, labeling him an “awful referee.” He expressed frustration over the perception that Dean is a “gold standard” in officiating, arguing that consistent mistakes should not be overlooked.
“It’s tough to keep supporting someone who keeps making these errors,” Sterling said. “I’m not saying he’s a bad person, but he’s definitely not fit for this role.”
The stakes were high in the Nkuta vs. Moraes match, with Nkuta leading on the scorecards 20-18 before the final round. Sterling pointed out that Dean’s decision effectively rendered the judges’ scores irrelevant, a move he believes was unjustified.
While Dean was not alone in making the final call—he consulted with members of the New Jersey athletic commission, including fellow referee Mike Beltran—Sterling is adamant that the entire officiating crew failed to grasp the nuances of jiu-jitsu. He likened their decision-making process to a comedic skit, questioning their understanding of the sport.
“It’s like they were all huddled together, unable to see what was happening right in front of them,” he remarked. “Adriano was still applying pressure after the bell. How could they not see that?”
Sterling’s frustration extends beyond this single incident; he is concerned about the broader system that allows referees like Dean to remain in their positions despite repeated controversies. He likened the situation to a “good old boys club,” where once you’re in, it’s nearly impossible to be removed, no matter the mistakes made.
“I’m not calling for his job, but there should be a review process,” Sterling stated. “High-stakes events deserve officials who are truly qualified. There are many talented individuals who haven’t had their chance yet.”
As the conversation around officiating in MMA continues to heat up, fans and fighters alike are left wondering: what changes need to be made to ensure that the integrity of the sport is upheld?
