Video: Joaquin Buckley creates ‘Herb Dean drill’ in homage to controversial UFC referee

UFC welterweight Joaquin Buckley released a video showcasing a humorous training exercise he dubbed the "Herb Dean drill." In the clip, Buckley strikes a heavy bag while tasking a training partner with forcefully restraining him, mimicking a referee intervening in a fight. Despite the tongue-in-cheek premise, Buckley shared positive words for Dean alongside the video, praising the longtime referee in the caption.

The homage follows widespread criticism of Dean's refereeing decisions from fans, media, and fighters, including Alex Pereira and Xavier Franklin. Buckley, who holds a 2-0 record in UFC bouts officiated by Dean, is aiming to snap a two-fight losing streak when he faces Mike Malott at UFC Edmonton.