The UFC Fight Night: Grasso vs. Araujo on Oct. 15 was rightly touted to be one of the most interesting events. Stacked with incredible fights and matchups, fans eagerly waited for the event. The co-main event of UFC Vegas 62 featured the UFC veteran Cub Swanson, making his UFC bantamweight debut. Cub Swanson scaled down to 135 pounds as the veteran looked to complete his UFC profile and experience a new challenge.
The fight was a typical striker vs grappling display. Further, his opponent, Jonathan ‘Dragon’ Martinez, came to the fight on a three-win streak. And therefore, Cub Swanson entered the ring as an underdog.
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However, unfortunately for the veteran, the fight didn’t pan out as planned for him.
UFC Vegas 62 co-main goes in the opposite direction for Cub Swanson
California-born entered the Octagon with a quick finish in his mind. Nonetheless, ‘The Dragon’ looked set to join the elites of the 135-pound division, given his recent form.
While some fans expected Martinez to crumble under pressure, this was not the case.
Kicks of Dragon troubled the striker throughout the fight, followed by some beautiful boxing combinations. Even in the first round, Cub Swanson got hit with a huge knee, and he closely escaped the first round, merely saved by the bell.
Some fans can even point out that Herb Dean was lenient with Swanson toward the dying seconds of the first round.
How did the fans react?
The MMA fans were in awe of Jonathan Martinez’s lethal kicking skills. But at the same time, UFC referee Herb Dean divided the opinions of the fans.
Actually, in the dying seconds of the first round, Martinez locked Cub Swanson in a choke, and it looked all over for the UFC veteran. However, Herb Dean didn’t stop the fight and as a result, Swanson escaped with a whisker.
After the fight, fans voiced their opinion to sack Herb Dean for his no-stoppage call.
Hence, one user commented, “Herb Dean is the worst referee in the UFC. Damn man. #UFCVegas62”
Herb Dean is the worst referee in the UFC. Damn man. #UFCVegas62 pic.twitter.com/iqGACL2NoV
— SMH (@smh2147) October 16, 2022
The Dragon @JonathanMyda just kicked his way to the biggest win of his career 🐉
[ #UFCVegas62 is LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/J5ssb9T6Tl— UFC (@ufc) October 16, 2022
Martinez kicks Swanson’s leg out from him and gets the rare leg kick TKO. That was nutso. Great performance by The Dragon. WOW #UFCVegas62
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) October 16, 2022
Thus, several people shared their opinions on Twitter.
*Cub Swanson starts a new run at 135*
Jonathan Martinez:#UFCVegas62 pic.twitter.com/BRvtJRlcDb
— MacMally 🍀 (@MacMallyMMA) October 16, 2022
And with that Herb Dean remains the worst ref #UFCVegas62
— Alex Weber 🗽 (@AlexWeberMMA) October 16, 2022
Herb Dean received tons of criticism.
Agreed. Cub took three punches he didnt have to because Herb Dean is afraid to get too close.
— Corey Cox (@cjco1776) October 16, 2022
Many UFC fans questioned the referee’s judgement.
What was Herb Dean watching?
— Punchface VIP (@thechovanone) October 16, 2022
Murder in the UFC? Herb Dean must've been involved.
— Metokur Never Die! (@PictishMongoose) October 16, 2022
Herb Dean gotta go
— Punchface VIP (@thechovanone) October 16, 2022
Herb Dean should be sacked
— M (@_mmamark) October 16, 2022
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Additionally, people questioned why he was still in the promotion.
That would be awesome! The Herb Dean shuffle 😆
— Ryan Barten (@rynomite_1) October 16, 2022
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What do you think of this bout? Let us know in the comments below.
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