Herb Dean Stops Then Restarts TUF 34 Fight

Veteran referee Herb Dean stopped a fight on The Ultimate Fighter 34, declared it over, then restarted it after a video review. MMA Fighting reports that the sequence unfolded in the final minute of a bantamweight matchup between Xavier Franklin and Ilimbek Akylbek Uulu, both fighters from Team Michael Bisping.

Franklin appeared to stun Akylbek Uulu in the closing seconds, then landed a hard right that prompted Dean to wave off the bout. Dean told Akylbek Uulu the fight was finished, but the fighter protested that an eye poke had occurred. Dean called for a replay and consulted with a commissioner, who asked if the fight could resume. Dean confirmed he had only called time, not officially ended the fight.

Bisping Questions Dean's Handling Of TUF 34 Stoppage

After a recovery period, the bout restarted with 50 seconds left. Akylbek Uulu went on to win by decision behind two rounds of wrestling control. Franklin needed a finish in the third to secure victory but never got another chance after the restart. Bisping, who coached both fighters, told cameras that Franklin had earned the stoppage. "Xavier finished him. He finished him with a right hand, and the rule is defend yourself at all times," he said, per MMA Fighting.

Replays showed Franklin's hand may have been open as he pawed at Akylbek Uulu's face, though it remains unclear whether contact was made with the eye. Dean has drawn criticism in recent years for errors inside the cage, and viewers responded harshly to his management of the sequence. Akylbek Uulu advances to the TUF 34 bantamweight final, where he will face either Christian Strong or Mehemmedeli Osmanli.

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• MMA Fighting — Referee Herb Dean makes mess of The Ultimate Fighter 34 fight with confusing call