Nolan’s Comeback at UFC Vegas 123: Controversial Referee Decision Taunts Win, Raises Questions | Deadspin
Moicano controlled the opening rounds
Moicano took Nolan down early in the first round and moved to his back, securing a body triangle. He made several attempts to find a choke, with two appearing close to ending the fight.
Nolan changed the momentum late in the round by landing a knee that wobbled Moicano. He followed with a flurry that put Moicano at risk of being stopped.
Rules allow action to be stood up
The Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts permit a referee to stand fighters when neither is making sustained efforts to advance toward a finish. Merely holding a position does not count as advancing the fight.
The article says Moicano was striking, even when Nolan blocked some blows, while the two fought for arm position and Moicano searched for Nolan’s neck. It questions whether the action warranted a stand-up.
Decision leaves questions behind
The writer says a back take with a body triangle is an exceptionally dominant position and reports never seeing a stand-up from one in more than 20 years of watching MMA. The intervention took away Moicano’s position and possible path to victory, while casting a shadow over Nolan’s comeback. The article also says Nolan’s time being dominated before the stand-up raises questions about his ranking.
The piece contrasts the stand-up with an earlier eye-poke point deduction by Herb Dean. It argues the episode renews concerns about controversial officiating and the lack of clear standards or consequences for referees.
Key points
- Moicano took Nolan’s back early and threatened with choke attempts.
- A late knee and flurry from Nolan shifted the fight’s momentum.
- The article questions whether Moicano’s activity justified a referee stand-up.
- The decision has prompted concerns about Nolan’s win, ranking and officiating standards.