MMA Community Outraged by Referee Kerry Hatley’s Controversial Stoppage at UFC on ESPN 52

Referee Kerry Hatley faced heavy backlash for allowing Bobby Green to endure excessive and avoidable damage from Jalin Turner during UFC on ESPN 52. After Turner (14-7 MMA, 7-4 UFC) knocked down Green (31-15-1 MMA, 12-10-1 UFC) in the lightweight co-main event at Moody Center in Austin, Texas, the fight was essentially over. Instead, Hatley let Turner land multiple unnecessary blows on Green’s helpless body before stepping in, sparking widespread outrage across social media.

Various prominent figures within the UFC community expressed their frustrations, including Oscar Willis, who tweeted, “What in the fuck was that stoppage, jesus.” Caposa also chimed in, stating, “DAMNNNNNN Turner. Kerry Hatley is a sick fuck.” And Ariel Helwani added, “Holy shit. What was that ref doing?!?! Did he want Bobby to die? What the F was that?!?”

The consensus was that Hatley’s late stoppage was one of the worst witnessed in UFC history, with fighters, media, and fans alike denouncing the referee’s actions. “That had to be the latest stop I’ve ever seen that’s crazy boo that man,” shared Terrance McKinney. Meanwhile, others, such as Nolan King, referred to the stoppage as “HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE” and “disgusting.”

Prominent figures like Dustin Poirier, Megan Anderson, and Yves Edwards also condemned the delayed stoppage, emphasizing the unnecessary nature of the extra shots taken by Green. The social media storm raged on, with multiple individuals, including Simon Head and Michael Carroll, highlighting the egregiousness of Hatley’s decision.

The unforgettable moment made an appearance on MMA Junkie, where the controversial finish continued to draw widespread attention.

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Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.