Ordered Up From Dominance, Moicano Was Finished Minutes Later; UFC Referees Need Accountability After Controversy: Deadspin
A disputed stand-up call
During a bout with Tom Nolan, Renato Moicano was told to stand despite holding a dominant position and using a body triangle. He was finished minutes afterward. Referee Dan Miragliotta drew substantial criticism for the call, with the article arguing that Moicano had been inflicting damage from his position.
Broader concerns over officiating
The article acknowledges that referees are human and can make mistakes, but says recent errors have raised concerns. It cites late and early stoppages, questionable stand-ups, and failures to penalize fouls or take points. It argues that both fans and fighters have a stake in stronger accountability for those decisions.
Commissions pay the referees
The UFC does not pay referees directly, according to the article. Athletic commissions hire them as independent contractors and handle their pay. Their base compensation has been reported and corroborated by Big John as between $1,600 and $2,000 per event. The article says it is not in a position to judge whether that amount is fair.
Calls for clear consequences
The article says some errors, including missed fouls and late stoppages, may reflect a lack of awareness. It suggests commissions should address mistakes openly and set out consequences for repeated errors. It presents transparency among referees, fighters, commissions and fans as a way to support MMA's future.
Key points
- Moicano was told to stand against Tom Nolan and was finished minutes later.
- Dan Miragliotta faced criticism over the stand-up decision.
- Athletic commissions, not the UFC, pay referees as independent contractors.
- The article calls for commissions to explain mistakes and consequences for repeated errors.