Referee Kerry Hatley faced backlash for allowing Bobby Green to endure significant and unnecessary damage from Jalin Turner at UFC on ESPN 52. After Turner dropped Green in the lightweight co-headliner at Moody Center in Austin, Texas, Hatley let Turner continue to pound on Green’s limp body for several seconds before he stepped in. This led to a wave of criticism from fighters, media, and fans.
The top reactions on social media were a mix of astonishment, outrage, and disbelief. Some questioned the referee’s decision-making skills, while others expressed concern for Green’s well-being. Notable figures like Ariel Helwani, Dustin Poirier, and Megan Anderson all voiced their disapproval of the late stoppage.
Jalin Turner’s powerful performance was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the referee’s actions. Fans and analysts alike called it one of the worst stoppages in UFC history, with consensus around the egregiousness of the delay. In what was supposed to be a showcase of skill, the attention quickly turned to a refereeing error, sparking a heated debate in the MMA community.
