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CSAC Stands By Referee Herb Dean's Controversial Call in Rousey vs. Carano

By SideLine Desk ·
CSAC Stands By Referee Herb Dean's Controversial Call in Rousey vs. Carano
Photo: Yahoo Sports

The California State Athletic Commission has confirmed its decision to stand by referee Herb Dean's controversial stoppage in a past fight, drawing continued scrutiny. The call in question, made during the Rousey vs. Carano bout, has remained a point of contention.

Nearly two months ago, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California, hosted a preliminary card bout at MVP MMA 1. In that contest, rising Flyweight talent Phumi Nkuta experienced the first defeat of his professional fighting career. The outcome was sealed in the closing moments of the fight when former ONE Championship titleholder Adriano Moraes secured a submission victory.

The fight, which took place within the Intuit Dome, saw Moraes decisively defeat Nkuta, marking a significant moment in the Flyweight division. Highlights of the bout were made available for viewing, showcasing the decisive finish.

💬 SideLine Take

The CSAC's decision to back Herb Dean, while perhaps procedurally correct, does little to quell the lingering questions surrounding the stoppage. Fans and analysts alike will likely continue to debate this controversial moment in the sport.

AI-assisted rewrite. This story was written by the SideLine Desk from the reporting below and reviewed by our editors — read the original for the full story. How we work.
Source: Yahoo Sports
#MMA#Herb Dean#CSAC#Referee#Controversy

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