“Ref Needs to Step In and Stop the Fight” – Dana White Takes a Stand for Herb Dean to Stop “Permanent Damage” as Kevin Holland Wins at UFC 302

The much anticipated UFC 302 is finally over, and the fans witnessed something really special. Just like most UFC events, UFC 302 also lived up to its expectations and delivered when it mattered. UFC CEO Dana White sat down for the post-fight press conference and answered some questions regarding the event. One of the most talked about moments of the night was the stoppage in the middleweight clash between Kevin Holland and Michal Oleksiejczuk.

Holland won the fight via submission after seemingly dislocating his opponent’s arm. Most MMA experts shared their opinion on the matter, and so did Dana White in his recent post-fight press conference. The UFC head honcho credited the referee for stepping in at the right moment. 

He said, “I think it was a good stoppage. Even Kevin Holland came over and said to me I don’t wanna break the guy’s arm. And I respect that the guys that don’t tap. If you don’t tap that’s happening to your arm, I think the referee needs to step in and stop the fight so you don’t do permanent damage to the guy.”

The UFC CEO was then asked about the performance of Islam Makhachev in his third title defense. While the 54-year-old praised the Dagestani for his win, he still doesn’t feel he is the greatest. One of his longtime friend and colleague Joe Rogan during ringside commentary termed the Dagestani as the perfect lightweight . However, it seems the UFC head honcho feels a bit different.

Dana White reminds the world of Jon Jones in his recent interview

After his latest performance at UFC 302, Islam Makhachev is slowing inching towards greatness. With his empatic victory against ‘The Diamond’ the Dagestani fighter is now unbeaten in fourteen straight fights. However, he is yet to be considered as the greatest by the UFC CEO. Despite impressing the 54-year-old with his recent performance, Makhachev still has a lot to prove feels White. In his recent post-fight press conference a reporter asked White to share his honest opinion about Makhachev.

The UFC CEO in his typical honest and blunt manner answered the question. He replied, “I think he’s one of the greats of all time. I think he’s incredible. I don’t think he’s the pound for pound best fighter in the world. For anybody to call Islam Makhachev the pound for pound best fighter in the world with Jon Jones is still f***ing fighting is nuts. Shouldn’t be ranking in the pound for pound or doing any rankings ever,”  The 32-year-old before his fight made it clear that he is now eyeing the welterweight title next. Makhachev is now trying to achieve something which his coach and brother Khabib Nurmagomedov could have done if he had not retired.

How highly do you rate Islam Makhachev as a fighter? Let us know in the comments below.