Herb Dean defends officiating in UFC White House co-headliner

Referee Herb Dean has defended his officiating in the interim heavyweight title bout between Ciryl Gane and Alex Pereira at UFC White House, explaining his interpretation of the illegal blows to the back of the head rule.

Gane (14-2) hurt Pereira with a jab early in the second round and pursued him as he dropped to the canvas, landing multiple shots to the back of his head without intervention from Dean. Pereira recovered but was finished shortly after by a sustained flurry. The finish drew widespread backlash, with many viewing the shots as illegal. Pereira himself cited the blows as a factor in his loss, noting that he had specifically emphasized the rule during the pre-fight safety meeting with Dean.

Dean subsequently posted a video clarification on social media, stating: "I can tell by some of the comments online that I owe you guys an explanation about the rules and how I refereed the fight." According to Dean's explanation, the rule should more accurately be termed "illegal blows to the nape of the neck" rather than "back of the head," as the terminology differs between MMA and boxing. Dean outlined a narrow zone at the center-rear of the head that is completely prohibited, with approximately one inch of variable on each side. He argued that strikes to the sides of the back of the head do not violate the rule, suggesting that some of Gane's blows may have landed outside the prohibited area. Dean emphasized the nape of the neck and upper spine junction as the primary illegal target zone.