Consistent Herb Dean criticism already addressed by commission reveals legendary referee

John McCarthy acknowledged that fellow official Herb Dean goes through a rough patch immediately.

Just last week, Alex Pereira continued his criticism of Dean that first began within the aftermath of his title fight loss on the White House in June.

The 55-year-old is some of the experienced referees in the game, though ‘Poatan’ is way from the primary fighter to heavily disagree together with his actions.

Instances like Dean’s controversial call at the primary MVP MMA event have resulted in some motion being taken with a purpose to take a number of the pressure off of the referee.

Is it time for Herb Dean to retire from his referee role?

John McCarthy says athletic commission purposefully didn’t put Herb Dean in a high-pressure situation

‘Big’ John McCarthy has defended Herb Dean when sharing his insight into the criticism his fellow experienced referee has faced in recent weeks.

During a recent episode of the Weighing In podcast, McCarthy explained how each Dean and athletic commissions have responded to this.

The enduring official identified that while Dean did work the UFC 329 event on July 11, his experience wasn’t called upon for the highest two fights on the cardboard.

McCarthy explained that this was a conscious move on the a part of the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

“They really brought Mike Beltran in, Mike wasn’t scheduled to try this fight and he ended up doing the Conor [McGregor] fight,” he said.

“That’s the athletic commission not punishing Herb but attempting to care for Herb. They’re attempting to put him ready to say, ‘Hey, just go do what you’ll be able to do. Be the referee we all know you’ll be able to be and just go do your job and we don’t want you to have any of the actual high-pressure fights immediately. Just get through this event and let’s get things stepping into the proper direction.’”

Dean looked to receive a negative response from the fans in attendance for UFC 329 where he was the official for Cody Garbrandt vs Adrian Yanez and Cory Sandhagen vs Mario Bautista.

John McCarthy says Herb Dean is changing his referee style

Having revealed a number of the actions that the commission has taken, John McCarthy also explained how Herb Dean has reacted to this criticism.

McCarthy believes that the most effective thing for his fellow referee is to hearken to the knowledgeable people around him and take their honest thoughts on board without trying to clarify it away.

He suggested that Dean is doing this, which involves his style and adapting it with a purpose to address a number of the complaints.

“Herb is doing the proper thing,” McCarthy said. “He’s the best way he officiates. He’s , ‘Are people beginning to read that, you realize what, I’m a bit lenient and I don’t prefer to affect the fight. Possibly I’m going to start out affecting the fight more.’ He’s all those things similar to he should and that’s just a part of the growing strategy of being an official.”