Jon Anik criticized referee Jason Herzog for not stopping the fight sooner during Steven Nguyen‘s dominant win over Mohammad Yahya at UFC Abu Dhabi, highlighting concerns about fighter safety and questioning both Herzog’s decision-making and Yahya’s corner’s responsibility.
Jon Anik, like many of us, was baffled watching Steven Nguyen relentlessly dominate Mohammad Yahya at UFC Abu Dhabi. Nguyen set a UFC record with six knockdowns, maybe even more, leading to a second-round knockout. The fight was only stopped at the period’s end due to a doctor’s intervention, sparking questions about referee Jason Herzog’s decision not to step in sooner.
On the Anik & Florian podcast, Anik voiced his concerns about Herzog’s call. “What are we doing in the form of fighter safety?” he pondered. Anik even joked about calling Herzog, whom he respects, to ask him to stop the fight. He referenced another fight where Herzog allowed the action to continue, resulting in a "Fight of the Year" contender, but questioned if the risk was worth it.
Anik’s main concern remains fighter safety. He argued that the thrill of a comeback or a great fight doesn’t justify the potential long-term damage. Just because Yahya avoided a severe injury like an orbital fracture doesn’t mean he’s unscathed.
Commentators Paul Felder and Michael Bisping, both former fighters, also expressed concern. Felder doubted the fight would continue without a doctor’s intervention. Bisping called for a stoppage after multiple knockdowns, questioning how much punishment was too much.
Herzog, unfortunately, faced criticism twice in two weeks. He was also criticized for stopping the UFC Nashville main event too soon. Anik sympathized, noting the difficult balance referees must strike. “You’re damned if you do, you’re damned if you don’t,” he remarked, recalling other controversial stoppages.
Anik also pointed to Yahya’s corner, suggesting they share responsibility. He admitted he might be reactionary but felt the corner should have intervened. “How many knockdowns are too many?” he wondered, questioning if a rule should exist for multiple knockdowns in a round.
In the end, Anik’s reflections highlight the complex decisions referees and corners face, balancing the excitement of the sport with the safety of its fighters.