The controversy surrounding referee Kerry Hatley’s performance in the UFC Austin co-main event has drawn the attention of fans and fighters alike, including UFC president Dana White. In a fight between Jalin Turner and Bobby Green, Hatley’s decision to allow Turner to continue landing unanswered blows to Green after being knocked down was widely criticized, with UFC commentator Daniel Cormier calling it some of the worst officiating in mixed martial arts that he had ever witnessed. White echoed these sentiments, stating that the stoppage was “Definitely a bad stoppage. Very bad.” While Hatley acknowledged his mistake, it remains a topic of discussion in the MMA community.
In response to the criticism, Turner was hesitant to directly criticize Hatley, acknowledging that Green deserved an opportunity to reverse the position. He expressed relief that Green was in good health after the fight, but the controversy over the referee’s decision continues to be a point of contention.