Herb Dean Assigned UFC 331 Main Event
This author receives a commission through recommended links in this content. See our affiliate disclosure.
Herb Dean will referee the UFC 331 flyweight title fight between Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja when the rematch takes place Sept. 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, MMA Junkie reports.
The assignment comes after months of scrutiny over Dean's recent work inside the Octagon. Judges Sal D'Amato, Derek Cleary, and Ron McCarthy will score the championship bout from cageside.
🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Crypto.com UFC 331: Van vs Pantoja 2 on Ticketmaster →
Dean Oversaw First Van-Pantoja Fight
Dean handled the pair's first meeting at UFC 323 late last year, when Pantoja lost the belt after suffering a leg injury during the co-main event. Their 125-pound rematch will headline the Paramount Plus card.
In the co-headliner, referee Jason Herzog will oversee the five-round lightweight clash between Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy. D'Amato and Cleary will judge that bout alongside Chris Leben.
🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Crypto.com UFC 331: Van vs Pantoja 2 on Ticketmaster →
Dean has faced criticism from fighters and fans over a string of disputed stoppages and interventions in recent months. He addressed the backlash publicly but landed back under fire after subsequent outings drew similar complaints.
Reported via:
- MMA Mania — Uh oh … Herb Dean just got assigned to referee the UFC 331 main event
Related Fighters & Stats
Get Ringside Updates
Fight announcements, results, and analysis delivered to your inbox. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Join the discussion
Loading the discussion…