Rogan Blasts Miragliotta After Moicano Standup
Joe Rogan texted Daniel Cormier that Dan Miragliotta's standup in the UFC Vegas 123 main event undermines MMA's legitimacy as a sport.
Rogan sent the message after Miragliotta separated Renato Moicano from Tom Nolan's back Saturday night, moments before Nolan landed the strikes that earned him a TKO win and a Performance of the Night bonus. Moicano had been working for a rear-naked choke when the referee intervened.
What Rogan Told Cormier About the Controversial Call
Jon Anik disclosed the exchange on his YouTube channel with his brother Jason, according to Bloody Elbow. "He wrote in our text with 'DC' [Daniel Cormier], 'It's not a sport if refs can do that,'" Anik said. "I'm not sure much else needs to be said."
Moicano released a video statement taking the high road before later using profanity to criticize the officiating. The Brazilian's loss snapped a run that had positioned him as a lightweight contender.
The controversy has split fans and fighters, with some arguing the standup led to a better finish and others maintaining Miragliotta robbed Moicano of a likely submission win. The result stands in the official record, but whether the outcry prompts officiating changes remains unclear.
Original reporting:
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