“Alex Pereira Is Not a Whiner” – Dana White Understands Criticism of ‘Poatan’ Towards Herb Dean

Dana White weighed in on Alex Pereira's criticism of Herb Dean, offering his perspective on the controversy that followed UFC Freedom 250.

“Alex Pereira Is Not a Whiner” – Dana White Understands Criticism of ‘Poatan’ Towards Herb Dean

Dana White reacts to Alex Pereira's criticism of Herb Dean [via Instagram and Sportico]

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has heavily criticized the officiating during his loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250. His criticism has sparked widespread debates about illegal strikes and fouls, leaving the MMA sphere divided. However, one person who is seemingly on Pereira’s side is his boss, UFC CEO Dana White.

At the White House, ‘Poatan’ got knocked out by Gane in the second round. He alleges that during the finishing sequence, the Frenchman landed a series of illegal strikes which directly affected the outcome of the fight. However, the referee that night, Herb Dean, has pushed back against this notion, claiming that the “back of the head” was a misnomer and all of the current interim champion’s strikes were legal.

Now, at the UFC Vegas 116 post-fight press conference, White has come to the former double champion’s defense. The veteran promoter insists that the Brazilian is not one to complain after losing a fight. Thus, any grievances he is expressing are not entirely unfounded according to the UFC boss.

If you watch the fight, it’s undeniable that Alex got hit with some strikes to the back of the head… I can tell you this, Alex Pereira is not a whiner, and Alex Pereira doesn’t complain about things or make excuses after fights.

Dana White via the UFC Vegas 119 presser

Fans reacted negatively to ‘Poatan’ complaining about the stoppage after the White House event. All that said, the 56-year-old reiterated the fact that this issue was out of his hands and that Alex Pereira would need to take it up with the relevant authorities for any potential recourse.

That’s something they’ll have to work out with the commission. Not my area. Like I said, Alex Pereira is not a whiner. The guy doesn’t ever complain about anything.

Dana White via the UFC Vegas 119 presser

This is not the first time that Ciryl Gane has fouled or been accused of fouling an opponent. His last fight, which was for the undisputed heavyweight champion against Tom Aspinall also ended controversially after an eye poke.

The consequences of that foul are still being felt as the Brit has not yet returned to active competition, though he did accept Gane’s callout following the latter’s victory over Pereira.

That said, the 38-year-old has not placed the blame squarely on Gane. The former middleweight believes that referee Herb Dean also shares responsibility for the way the UFC Freedom 250 co-main event concluded.

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Alex Pereira believes Herb Dean should face legal consequences after UFC Freedom 250

Officiating in the UFC has remained quite a touchy subject within the MMA community. Poor stoppages and unnoticed fouls have plagued the sport for as long as it has been around. A key aspect of them being such enduring issues remains the lack of accountability from the commission over the years. Seldom are poor calls by referees reviewed or judges’ decisions overturned.

Alex Pereira, Ciryl Gane, Herb Dean
Alex Pereira wants Herb Dean to face consequences after Ciryl Gane fight [via MSN]

Moreover, it is also very rare that the commission makes these officials available to comment following a controversial call, making the entire process lack any transparency. As such, Alex Pereira, has called for fighters and other figures in the sport to help make referees take more accountability for their work. The Brazilian also abandoned his usual stoic demeanor to launch a scathing rant at Herb Dean.

To be honest, a guy like [Herb Dean] should be punished. It’s a very serious job and a very serious event. What happened? The ref should’ve faced legal consequences for that. This will only change when fighters come together to push out referees who continue making mistakes like this.

Alex Pereira via social media

Controversy aside, ‘Poatan’ has confirmed that he wishes to remain in the UFC’s heavyweight division moving forward. The Brazilian has also expressed his desire to rematch Gane. However, with talks of the Frenchman facing Aspinall gaining more credence every day, the former light heavyweight champion’s next fight remains up in the air.

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