“He’s knowledgeable…” UFC CEO Dana White explains why referee Herb Dean is one of the best of all time

Herb Dean's refereeing journey was recently praised by the UFC boss on Julian Edelman's podcast.

“He’s knowledgeable…” UFC CEO Dana White explains why referee Herb Dean is one of the best of all time

Dana White recently hailed Herb Dean's career as a referee (via Imago/Yahoo Sports)

The sport of MMA calls for an alert and knowledgeable referee to officiate in the cage with the fighters. A good referee can become the difference between a concussion and life-altering brain damage. When thinking of good referees, Herb Dean comes to mind. The veteran referee has seen it all in the octagon and is one of the best ever to do it. Recently, Dana White praised the legendary referee on Super Bowl champion Julian Edelman’s podcast.

Dana White talked about many things while conversing with Edelman. One such conversation delved into his admiration for Herb Dean. He felt that Dean was one of the best referees in the sport and was very educated. This is what White said:

He [Herb Dean] trains still and he has a couple of fights himself… He’s knowledgeable. He knows what he is doing. He is one of the best refs of all time.
Dana White via Games with Names Podcast
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The UFC CEO gushed over the consistent excellence and good judgment that defined Herb’s lengthy work. Herb Dean’s consistently steadfast presence made him a referee that fighters, coaches, and fans alike could count on week after week.

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Some odd controversial calls have marked his lengthy career. However, his quick instincts, cool head, and big-fight reliability cemented his place on the shortlist of the sport’s very best referees.

Did Herb Dean compete in MMA?

Herb Dean competed as a professional mixed martial artist from 2001 to 2007 before getting into refereeing. Dean’s in-cage career provided a crucial experience that would later translate to top-notch officiating.

What was Herb Dean's professional record?
What is Herb Dean’s professional record? (via MMA Underground)

Dean made his MMA debut on September 9th, 2001. He submitted Randy Halmont in the opening round by front choke. Herb lost his next fight against Joe Riggs. He would win again in his next fight against Timothy Mendoza in 2004. Dean suffered losses to  Jung Gyu Choi and Dave Lageno over the next three years. This put his professional record at 2-3.

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Dean began officiating UFC fights in 2004 at UFC 47. He quickly earned a reputation for consistently good judgment and poise under fire when action intensified inside the cage. Herb Dean became synonymous with fair officiating on MMA’s biggest stages in his 20 years as a referee. 

Dean’s fighting career never amounted to much. But that brief yet eventful stint certainly laid the foundation. It paved the way for Herb to ultimately find his niche as one of the most respected referees.

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