Dana White saw the question coming. He didn’t have much of an answer.
Referee Dan Miragliotta stood up Renato Moicano and Tom Nolan in the second round of the UFC Vegas 123 main event. Moicano was on Nolan’s back with a body triangle locked at the time, hunting for a rear-naked choke. Nolan battered Moicano for the rest of the round and finished him with punches in the third.
Speaking to MMA Junkie and other reporters Wednesday at a media event promoting his bull, Playmate, White said the UFC hasn’t discussed it.
I knew that (question) was coming. I honestly don’t know what to think about it. We actually haven’t talked about it here at all. We haven’t even discussed it.
The Unified Rules allow referees to stand fighters up during extended periods of timidity, but it’s rare when one fighter has the back or mount. White suggested position alone shouldn’t decide it.
I don’t think it’s about having the dominant position. I think it’s about are you doing damage and are you trying to win the fight? Because if that’s what you want to do, some of these guys are so good they can take your back and just ride it out for three rounds. The rules are if you’re not doing damage or trying to advance your position, or trying to win the fight, you get stood up.
The controversy also sparked debate about officials’ pay after John McCarthy revealed the most he was ever paid to work a UFC event was $2,000. White wasn’t interested in that conversation.
So people online are saying the refs aren’t getting paid enough? That’s the Nevada State Athletic Commission. That has nothing to do with me. That’s up to them. Everybody online is always worried about what everybody else is f—ing making. Worry about your f—ing self. Shut the f— up.
Daniel Cormier, who called the fight, has said Miragliotta should be pulled from upcoming shows.
