Spinning Back Clique: Maybe let’s cut MMA referees some slack?
Welcome to “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts. In this week’s episode, Simon Head fills in to host while “Gorgeous” George, “Goze” and special guest Farah Hannoun recap the UFC’s week in Jacksonville and more. Let’s go!
SHOW RUNDOWN:
- At UFC on ESPN+ 29 last Wednesday, the controversy was about referee Jason Herzog allowing Glover Teixeira to beat up Anthony Smith for far too long – prompting an apology from Herzog himself. Then at UFC on ESPN 8 on Saturday, it was about whether referee Dan Miragliotta should’ve stopped it sooner while Walt Harris was swarming Alistair Overeem in the first round – but he didn’t, and Overeem rallied to score a finish of his own. When we see two instances like these, does that underscore the need to cut MMA referees some slack when it comes to appropriate timing of stoppages?
- Between UFC on ESPN+ 29 and UFC on ESPN 8, we saw a lot of standout performances. Who was the MVP between the two shows?
- UFC president Dana White said the promotion’s return during the coronavirus pandemic was “successful in every way.” Do we agree with that assessment?
- Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou is now a thing that’s being seriously talked about after the two men have been going back and forth on Twitter. Jones, the UFC light heavyweight champion, has long flirted with the idea of moving up to heavyweight. Is this the fight to make?
- Former UFC champion Kevin Randleman, who died in 2016, was announced as an inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame pioneer wing. We take a trip down memory lane and remember what “The Monster” meant to the sport.
For answers to all of those questions, watch Episode 28 of “Spinning Back Clique” above.
Spinning Back Clique: Maybe let's cut MMA referees some slack?