It`s probably not wise to challenge veteran referee Herb Dean inside the cage.
Herb Dean is a widely recognized figure in the UFC, having officiated in the Octagon for nearly thirty years. He has overseen many of the promotion`s most significant bouts, such as the high-profile main event at UFC 229 involving Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor.
His career as a UFC official began at UFC 47, an event headlined by the intense light heavyweight clash between former teammates Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. Liddell secured a second-round knockout victory, a finish still considered one of the most memorable in UFC history.
However, just months before his celebrated officiating career began, Dean was actively competing as a fighter himself in regional mixed martial arts promotions. Though primarily known today for his role as a referee, he proved to be a formidable competitor during his brief, five-fight professional career.
Before Becoming a Legendary Referee, Herb Dean Was a Formidable MMA Fighter
In August 2004, Dean stepped back into the cage at King of the Cage 39, aiming to recover from a tough knockout defeat against future UFC competitor Joe Riggs. His opponent was Tim Mendoza, in a heavyweight contest featuring two up-and-coming fighters.
From the opening seconds, Dean quickly asserted control, securing a clinch and then executing a significant takedown. He followed up with powerful ground-and-pound strikes that visibly affected Mendoza early in the bout.
Mendoza appeared exhausted by the end of the first round, worn down by Dean`s sustained pressure and grappling assault. Dean maintained his intensity going into the second round.
Dean continued to pressure Mendoza, landing a heavy leg kick that clearly unbalanced the heavyweight prospect. Later in the round, he secured a Thai clinch and delivered a damaging knee strike to Mendoza`s chin.
He then sealed his victory with a clean left hook that sent Mendoza staggering against the cage, prompting the referee to halt the contest.
The victory against Mendoza marked Dean`s final professional MMA win. He subsequently lost consecutive fights to Choi Jung-Gyu and Dave Legeno. A severe eye injury sustained in the fight against Legeno ultimately led him to concentrate entirely on officiating.
More than two decades later, Dean remains one of the most highly regarded officials in mixed martial arts. However, even experienced referees can face scrutiny, as was the case recently at UFC 317.
Recent Controversy Involving Herb Dean at UFC 317
At UFC 317, middleweight Gregory Rodrigues delivered a brutal knockout finish against Jack Hermansson. Following the fight, Hermansson required extensive medical attention after being unconscious for several minutes.
This finish sparked criticism from some analysts, such as Daniel Cormier, who felt Dean was slow to stop the fight despite Hermansson being clearly unconscious. A late punch landed by Rodrigues was widely considered unnecessary by viewers.
Dean also faced significant criticism from commentator Joe Rogan regarding his performance during Merab Dvalishvili`s victory over Sean O’Malley at UFC 306. During the five-round contest, Rogan felt Dean inappropriately urged Dvalishvili to increase his activity level while he was controlling O`Malley on the mat.
Even UFC CEO Dana White has had public disagreements with Dean over the years, although he has also referred to Dean as the `gold standard` for MMA referees.
Now 54, Dean continues his officiating career and reportedly still trains in MMA in his free time. The skills he demonstrated in his earlier fighting career suggest that challenging him physically might not be a wise decision for any fighter.
