Joe Rogan, a veteran commentator of UFC events, was shocked by a controversial stoppage at UFC 314.
During the last preliminary fight, featherweights Dan Ige and Sean Woodson had a close match that was supposed to be three rounds, but it was prematurely ended by referee Andrew Glenn.
In the third round, Ige gained an advantage, leading Woodson to attempt a takedown. While Woodson was holding Ige`s leg, Ige responded with hammer fists. Referee Glenn stopped the fight while they were still actively grappling.
Rogan, commentating on the fight, immediately criticized referee Glenn`s decision.
Rogan exclaimed, “That`s crazy! Bad stoppage. Really bad. I don`t understand it.”
He further stated, “That was a terrible stoppage, one of the worst I`ve ever witnessed. You have to give fighters a chance to recover. Woodson was defending himself from short strikes.”
Fellow commentator Daniel Cormier expressed sympathy for Woodson.
Cormier pointed out the potential consequences for Woodson, saying, “He could have been ranked next week, and now he loses part of his earnings. I`m curious about the scorecards because if he was ahead, this stoppage is even more damaging.”
Despite Ige being ahead on the scorecards, the premature stoppage prevented Woodson from having any chance of winning.
Social media was also filled with reactions to the controversial stoppage.
