Aljamain Sterling Criticizes Referee Herb Dean After Controversial Submission Ruling
"He called Herb Dean an 'awful referee' and said Dean's decision was a mistake."
In a highly debated moment from the MVP MMA: Rousey vs. Carano event on May 16, 2026, Aljamain Sterling has publicly criticized referee Herb Dean for a controversial ruling in the bout between Phumi Nkuta and Adriano Moraes.
During the fight, Moraes locked in a rear-naked choke on Nkuta in the closing seconds of the final round. The bell sounded to end the fight, but Moraes held the choke. Nkuta briefly lost consciousness. Following an official review, it was determined that Nkuta had lost consciousness before the bell, resulting in a submission victory for Moraes.
Sterling, who is a training partner of Nkuta, was outspoken in his criticism of Dean’s handling of the situation. He called Herb Dean an "awful referee," stating that Dean not only failed to stop the choke after the bell but also made the incorrect ruling on the stoppage.
Sterling also took aim at the system that protects referees from consequences, describing it as a "good old boys club." He noted that both Dean and fellow referee Mike Beltran were involved in the review process with the New Jersey athletic commission.
Adding to the controversy, Nkuta was ahead on two scorecards (20-18) entering the third round. If the fight had gone to a decision, he would have won a split decision.