Andy Foster defends Herb Dean over Pereira-Gane controversy

California State Athletic Commission executive director Andy Foster has defended referee Herb Dean against complaints from Alex Pereira following the Brazilian's stoppage loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC White House in June.

Pereira launched a public campaign against Dean after the fight, claiming the veteran official failed to call fouls when Gane landed punches to the back of his head during a finishing sequence. Foster, who was present at the event, told MMA Fighting the referee handled the situation properly. "That didn't look anything different … that looked like a normal fight to me," Foster said. "There was no doubt a few of them got through and hit [the back of the head]. The question is what do you do in that situation?"

Foster explains Dean's dilemma during Pereira finish

The controversial moment occurred after Gane dropped Pereira with a punch and began throwing hammer fists to secure the finish. As Pereira scrambled to survive, his head movement caused some strikes that started as legal blows to land in illegal spots. Foster argued that stopping the action could have unfairly altered the outcome by giving Pereira time to recover. "That's the dilemma," Foster said. "I think it's worse if he stops it."

Despite the complaints, the result stands with Gane claiming the interim heavyweight title via TKO. Foster confirmed Dean retains his full confidence and will continue working main events in California as the state's senior referee. The commission chief also revealed plans to introduce new language that would replace intentional and unintentional fouls with categories like incidental, reckless, and malicious to better guide officials when issuing penalties.

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• MMA Fighting — Andy Foster responds to complaints about Herb Dean after Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane at UFC White House