Herb Dean was hailed by the MMA community for his stoppage during Rafael Fiziev vs Brad Riddell fight at UFC Vegas 44

Herb Dean’s experience came to the fore at UFC Vegas 44.

The veteran referee officiated the co-main event that featured a lightweight bout between Rafael Fiziev and Brad Riddell.

Just when it looked like the fight would go the distance, Fiziev executed a brilliant spinning wheel kick.

FIZIEV WITH A WHEEL KICK TO THE HEAD! 😱@RafaelFiziev is a PLAYER at lightweight! #UFCVegas44 pic.twitter.com/r6HFUENbql

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) December 5, 2021

The wheel kick landed flush on Riddell rendering him wobbly. Although, Riddell didn’t crash immediately to the ground, he had already lost his footing and almost signalled that he was done.

In rushed referee Dean. Before Fiziev could do further damage, he waved off the fight.

Dean, who is very often criticized by the MMA community for his late stoppages, was hailed by the MMA community for his quick and effective stoppage.

Here are a few Twitter reactions:

rare herb dean W https://t.co/7v0tTKu3Sy

— boogerjuice 🦠💦 (@boogerjuice_irl) December 5, 2021

https://twitter.com/sonofthomp33/status/1467404043903455233

https://twitter.com/Lifetimehector/status/1467399755303170049

Just watched it back and Herb dean saved that mans life. What a kick by fiziev

— hunter (@Blun7er) December 5, 2021

Herb Dean? He may have had some questionable moments, but overall he’s a great ref.

— Dylan (@danielsdyl647) December 5, 2021

https://twitter.com/Choogule/status/1467395249513414657

So nobody is going to mention how Herb Dean did a good job and didn't fuck up tonight?? 😁😁 #UFCVegas44 #UFC #MMATwitter #MMA #mixedmartialarts #herbdean #referee #ref

— M.E. (@M___E135) December 5, 2021

So, everyone is quick to shit on Herb Dean (me included), but that was a great job there.

— Christopher Kirchner (@0ncearunner) December 5, 2021

I think it should be said tonight that Herb Dean did a great job

— RumblinBumcheeks (@Rumblinn) December 5, 2021

Never thought I’d say this, but good stoppage by Herb Dean

— Warner (@warner_halbesma) December 5, 2021

Rafael Fiziev calls out Vince Vaughn after his victory over Brad Riddell

Following his win over Brad Riddell in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 44, Rafael Fiziev called out veteran Hollywood actor Vince Vaughn.

At the post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier, Fiziev said:

“His name – Vince Vaughn…Yeah I love him.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2obEtOMDfqo

It is worth noting that Vaughn was one of the attendees at the UFC Apex.

Fiziev had previously called out Internet sensation Hasbulla following his unanimous decision win over Bobby Green at UFC 265.

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