‘F***ed up 4 out of 800 fights,’ Controversial referee Mario Yamasaki blames Dana White for bad reputation
Mario Yamasaki infamous for his questionable refereeing in UFC fights and his spat with Dana White, has decided to talk on his ban.
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Mario Yamasaki declares Valentina Shevchenko as winner against Priscila Cachoeira (Image Courtesy - MMA Fighting)
Controversial referee Mario Yamasaki appeared on a podcast and addressed questions about his bad reputation. Mario was banned by the UFC from officiating fights after an incident of late stoppage which resulted in a brutal beatdown of a fighter. “I f***ed up 4 out 800 fights, I think Dana was a little too harsh on me because I’m not that bad,” the referee told Talkin’ MMA.
UFC President, Dana White announced a ban on the referee soon after the fight and addressed the issue to the media. The dishonored referee later issued statements to the press. Disgusted by Yamasaki’s reffing and statements, the UFC boss ensured strict actions were taken on the matter.
At UFC Fight Night in 2018, Priscila Cachoeira was matched up against the current women’s flyweight champion, Valentina Shevchenko. Yamasaki was appointed as the referee in charge of the fight. The fight started with Valentina’s dominance as she scored multiple knockdowns and takedowns over Priscila. Despite constant ground and pound with little to no defense available, Yamasaki did not stop the fight.
“I was giving her an opportunity to become a warrior,” said Yamasaki when asked about this situation. Priscila had to take a beating that looked like 200-3 strikes landed in favor of Shevchenko. By the end of the second round, frustrated by non-stoppage, Shevchenko decided to end the one-sided affair via submission.
Mario Yamasaki calls Dana White’s comments “too” harsh
The 58-year-old former MMA referee has since stopped officiating fights and co-owns some Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu schools. The incident is a major throwback to what a referee’s true responsibilities are when a fight takes place.
UFC President, Dana White slammed Mario’s poor judgment and statements of the referee at UFC Fox later in the fight week. “No, you moron. You’re in there to protect her from herself,” White said when asked about Mario’s “warrior” statement.
Waves of posts and social media edits and memes started trending on social media after the incident. UFC has since been very careful and consistent in the appointment of referees and the safety of fighters. Dana White, to date, never holds back when a controversial refereeing decision or judging takes place.
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Prateek Athanur
(2970 Articles Published)