Herb Dean has posted a detailed video explaining why he did not rule Ciryl Gane’s ground-and-pound strikes on Alex Pereira as back-of-the-head shots in the UFC Freedom 250 co-main event, responding to Pereira’s public complaint and widespread fan criticism.
Dean clarified the specific area of the head that constitutes an illegal strike under UFC rules.
The rule we’re talking about is the back of the head and that’s confusing because it’s different than boxing. The way we enforce this rule is we focus on the nape of the neck. I guess that’s really what the rule should be called. The nape of the neck occipital junction also covers the spine and covers a line right here with one-inch variance to either side. So, this is what we go over in a rules meeting. I’ll let them know that this area is about off-limits. This area is a fair blow. Here is a fair blow. Here is a fair blow. Here is a foul. Hopefully that’s useful for you guys and clear things up.
Dean noted that UFC Freedom 250 was regulated by the Association of Combat Commissions rather than a standard state athletic commission, given the event took place on federal land at the White House South Lawn.