“I See Nervousness”: Jorge Masvidal Unloads on Joe Rogan for Defending Herb Dean Amid UFC Controversy
When Joe Rogan calls Herb Dean the “gold standard,” it reflects years of elite-level officiating. Dean has overseen thousands of fights, navigating brutal exchanges and split-second decisions while establishing himself as one of MMA’s most experienced referees
However, while ‘The color commentator’ views him as the greatest, Jorge Masvidal would beg to differ.
Jorge Masvidal Fires Back at Rogan’s “Gold Standard” Praise for Herb Dean
The former BMF belt holder did hold back while aiming at Herb Dean, challenging Rogan’s long-standing praise for the veteran referee as the UFC’s “gold standard.”
During a conversation on Full Send MMA, Masvidal expressed his dissatisfaction with Rogan’s take, adding that he would be willing to sit down with him for a debate.
“I don’t know what he’s (Joe Rogan) basing that off because, if you know, I would sit down and have a theological debate discussion with anybody that thinks he’s the gold standard,” Masvidal said on Full Send MMA. “Okay, I’ll bring up, you know, numerous incidents where I see inconsistencies.”
He further added, “I see nervousness, and I see something that I really dislike in a referee is if they stop it too early, but also they stop it like way too f—– late. Like, Herb Dean is what, known for stopping fights crazy late sometimes or crazy early, and I don’t—I don’t like those things, you know? It’s a big inconsistency for me.”
Herb Dean has certainly built a strong reputation over the years, with California State Athletic Commission Executive Director Andy Foster also backing the veteran referee in June after he was named to officiate UFC 331.
“I think Herb Dean’s a good referee,” said Foster.
Dean’s recent UFC assignments have been a mixed bag, with the veteran referee facing several controversial accusations from top-ranked fighters. Alex Pereira, for instance, accused him of missing illegal shots to the back of the head during his loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250.
Andre Fili raised similar concerns about Dean’s judgment after UFC Fight Night 279, while Dean’s handling of Shara Magomedov’s repeated fouls against Michel Pereira at UFC Fight Night 280 sparked further backlash.
‘Gamebred’ further expressed during his conversation that while fighting in the UFC, he witnessed some really bad judgment calls from Dean as well.
Masvidal Revisits Herb Dean’s Controversy Against Cerrone
While Pereira and the others have their own beef with Dean, Masvidal has his own bone to pick with the veteran referee. Recalling his 2017 clash with Donald Cerrone, the former BMF champion pointed to the crucial moment when he dropped ‘Cowboy’ late in Round 1.
Dean appeared ready to intervene but hesitated, and the horn ultimately saved Cerrone. Masvidal dropped him again early in Round 2, forcing Dean to step in and stop the fight.
“Herb Dean made me knock out Donald Cerrone twice,” he further said. “Go look, let me take a shot at Herb. I can’t stand him ever, bro.
“When it comes to fighting as a person, I ain’t got no problem with him, but as a referee, go look at my fight, and go look at the f—– madness he did in that in my fight too as well.”
Masvidal believes Herb Dean should take his job a bit more seriously. However, Dean is not the only referee he has called out.
The former BMF belt holder argued that referees need to know how to handle eye pokes, insisting they should intervene proactively rather than wait until a fighter suffers clear damage.
“A lot of these referees, you know, they’re seeing the guys with the fingers like this, like don’t wait for the f—– eye poke,” he added. “And the guy’s already a habitual eye poker. We’ve already seen him poke other people in the fight. You don’t have to wait till he f—– jams his finger in his face.
Masvidal’s reaction comes at a time when Herb Dean has already been selected as the referee for UFC 331. While the head honchos don’t seem to see a problem, the fighters appear to have a rather opposing view.
