Herb Dean Spills Tea About Referee Meeting After Eye Poke Controversy

Herb Dean leads UFC officials in revising eye poke rules after the Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane controversy shakes the heavyweight division.

Herb Dean Spills Tea About Referee Meeting After Eye Poke Controversy

Herb Dean talks about eye pokes in the UFC (via X)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

In recent weeks, the issue of eye pokes in mixed martial arts has garnered renewed attention, underscoring concerns about fighter safety and the enforcement of rules. The UFC has faced scrutiny over incidents where matches were disrupted or fighters were injured due to strikes to the eyes. Veteran referee Herb Dean recently explained the decision made by a council of officials.

The most recent fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 acted as the catalyst for a meeting among refereeing officials. The bout was of paramount importance to the heavyweight division, which has experienced periods of stagnation. However, Gane landed a double eye poke in the first round, which forced referee Jason Herzog to declare a no-contest as Aspinall was unable to continue.

Following the fight, Aspinall faced significant scrutiny over how the match concluded after the eye-poke incident. The UFC was pressured to implement and enforce stricter rules regarding eye pokes to prevent similar situations from affecting the outcome of future critical fights. Dean recently revealed an important decision made during the meeting regarding eye pokes between referees and officials.

One quick rule that can be changed and thats gonna have an effect because we have a sport in which the gloves are open and we have punching and grappling and the fingers have to be out. We made a rule where it’s a foul to extend the fingers towards the eyes. That rule has been there but we haven’t been enforcing it.

Herb Dean via Belive You Me podcast

Previously, the UFC had experimented with new gloves designed to limit the frequency of eye pokes. While these gloves reduced fouls, they also drastically decreased knockout and finishing rates. This led officials to abandon the design in favor of other measures that preserve fighter safety without impacting the sport’s excitement.

Repeat offenders have remained a persistent problem within the UFC. Fighters such as Ciryl Gane and Jon Jones have drawn criticism for committing eye pokes multiple times, even after official warnings. Their recurring infractions highlight how enforcement inconsistencies can affect fight outcomes and reinforce the argument for stricter monitoring by referees.

Herb Dean has long stood at the center of the UFC’s officiating debates, often linked to controversial moments inside the Octagon. His role in spearheading the recent meeting reflects both his experience and the organization’s reliance on veteran officials. As the UFC continues to refine its rulebook, Dean’s influence remains pivotal in striking a balance between safety and competition.

Fans react to Herb Dean revealing the decision regarding eye pokes

Referees have often found themselves at the center of fan frustration, becoming easy targets whenever a fight ends in controversy. Herb Dean, one of the sport’s most recognizable officials, has frequently been in that position, praised for his experience yet criticized whenever decisions spark debate. The recent meeting once again put him under the spotlight, particularly in discussions surrounding officiating.

Herb Dean
Herb Dean (via Bloody Elbow)

Many fans have welcomed the referees’ decision to highlight and penalize the act of extending fingers toward an opponent’s eyes. They believe this emphasis can finally reduce eye poke incidents that have disrupted several major fights. However, a section of the fanbase remains cautious, questioning whether the new rule will be enforced uniformly across all events or if inconsistencies will persist.

In the broader context, fans view this as an opportunity for the UFC to rebuild confidence in its officiating. The outcome of these changes will rely on referees like Herb Dean, whose experience and judgment often set the standard inside the Octagon. Many believe that if Herb Dean enforces the new rules consistently, it could restore fairness and reinforce safety without compromising the sport’s competitive edge.

Also Read: