The upcoming UFC 306 title fights have sparked excitement among fans and fighters alike, with the anticipation building for the main event between bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. However, a recent announcement regarding the officials overseeing the fights has raised some eyebrows and sparked discussions within the MMA community.
The Nevada Athletic Commission revealed the officials for the UFC 306 title fights during a monthly meeting, with Herb Dean appointed as the referee for the main event between O’Malley and Dvalishvili. While Dean is a seasoned official with a strong track record, there have been instances in the past where his decisions have been questioned. This has led to concerns among fans about the fairness and impartiality of the officiating in the upcoming fight.
Joining Herb Dean as the referees for the co-main event between women’s flyweight champion Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko are Mark Smith. The panel of judges for these fights includes Mike Bell, Sal D’Amato, Chris Lee, Ben Cartlidge, Eric Colon, and Ron McCarthy. Each referee is set to receive $5,000, while the judges will be compensated with $4,000 each. While these officials are well-respected in the MMA community, the selection process has raised questions about potential biases and conflicts of interest.
UFC 306 is scheduled to take place on the same night as the Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga boxing pay-per-view event at the T-Mobile Arena. This clash has divided the combat sports community, with fans torn between which event to watch. The officials for the boxing match were also announced on the same day, adding to the anticipation and speculation surrounding both events.
As the excitement continues to build for UFC 306 and the highly anticipated title fights, the selection of officials has become a topic of discussion and debate. While the chosen referees and judges are experienced professionals, concerns about impartiality and fairness persist. With the fight night drawing closer, all eyes will be on the officiating team to ensure a fair and just outcome for the fighters and fans alike.