sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Referee Doesn't Believe Fighter Is Unconscious, Fighter On Top Proves It

Referee Doesn't Believe Fighter Is Unconscious, Fighter On Top Proves It

Sportsmanship.

Mark McGowan

Mark McGowan

Being a referee in any sport must be overwhelmingly stressful. As the man in charge all responsibility rests on your shoulders, meaning you're an easy scapegoat.

Being a ref in a combat sport, like MMA, is another kettle of fish, though.

It's an odd job, being in charge of two men trying to inflict enough damage to either knock one another out, or force your opponent to tap out, but someone's gotta do it.

There can be tough calls, like spotting illegal kicks or punches. Or, in Mills Lane's case, having to officiate low-level cannibalism after Mike Tyson bit off a chunk of Evander Holyfield's ear.

In this fight between Chad George and Mark Vorgeas, contested in Bellator, it shows referee Milan Ayers having an absolute mare as he fails to realise that Vorgeas is clean out.

Applying a submission move from side control, George released his opponent and, instead of throwing any punches while Vorgeas was on his back, admirably argued with the ref, telling him to bring an end to the fight.

The fight happened two years ago but for some reason is going viral again.


Credit: Bellator

Even after George stands up and shouts "He's out - Yes he is!", Ayers hesitates before declaring the contest over.

It's not the only time something like this has happened either.

Last year Legacy FC set up shop in Dallas, Texas, as champion Manny Vasquez was defending his bantamweight title against challenger Steven Peterson.

Billed as Legacy FC 56, the main-event nearly ended horribly as Peterson got Vasquez into a rear-naked choke putting his opponent to sleep, though, despite Vasquez clearly signally a tap the referee failed to intervene. Leaving the unconscious fighter in danger.

Here's the footage courtesy of Zombie Prophet: (WARNING: Disturbing images)

Manny Vazquez vs. Steven Peterson

The referee's name is Steve Armstrong who has been working for the Texas State Athletic Commission over a decade. The AC are notorious for poor overall officiating whether it's refereeing actual fights or judging them, yet it's believed they will be reviewed by the Texas Combative Sports program.

Tough gig.

Featured Image Credit: Bellator

Topics: MMA