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Herb Dean is cooked as an MMA referee, says Jorge Masvidal: “I think his time is done”

Jorge Masvidal believes Herb Dean’s days as an MMA official are numbered amid mounting inconsistencies with his officiating.

By Fernando Quiles Jr · BJ Penn

Published: Tuesday, 13 October 2026 at 5:45 PM

Key Things to Know

Jorge Masvidal believes referee Herb Dean's time is done, arguing he should no longer officiate MMA bouts.
Masvidal criticized Dean for displaying nervous energy instead of calmly separating and protecting fighters in the cage.
UFC CEO Dana White previously acknowledged to reporters that Dean has experienced a rough year officiating.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Jorge Masvidal stated that veteran MMA referee Herb Dean should no longer officiate bouts, arguing that "his time is done." Speaking on an episode of "Deep Waters," Masvidal criticized Dean for having nervous energy inside the cage and claimed he fails in his primary duty to protect fighters.

Dean has faced increasing scrutiny from fans and UFC CEO Dana White, who recently remarked that the official has had a rough year. Criticism escalated after a September 29 Dana White's Contender Series bout, where Dean missed an illegal knee by Ian Escuza against Luca Borando before Escuza secured a first-round TKO.

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Herb Dean is cooked as an MMA referee, says Jorge Masvidal: “I think his time is done”

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