Controversy quickly erupted at UFC Vegas 106.
Earlier on the card, Hyun Sung Park ended his 17-month break with the first finish of the night.
Following that bout, strawweight contenders Denise Gomes and Elise Reed faced off at the UFC APEX.
The fight was heavily one-sided and concluded with a second-round knockout that left many MMA fans upset.
Controversial Stoppage
Only 20 seconds into the second round, Gomes landed a powerful overhand right, sending Reed to the canvas.
Reed attempted to stand up but absorbed multiple punches to the head before falling back down immediately upon regaining her feet.
UFC commentator Michael Bisping immediately declared, `She`s done,` but referee Jason Herzog did not stop the fight.
The experienced official allowed Gomes to land numerous significant ground strikes before eventually halting the contest.
Fans React Angrily to Referee`s Actions
Viewers watching from home were quick to express their dissatisfaction with the Gomes vs. Reed stoppage.
One fan exclaimed, “Jason Herzog is legitimately the worst ref in MMA now, lol.” Another questioned, “Did Elise Reed owe Jason Herzog money because she took about 10 shots too many there?”
Someone else commented, “If she dies, she dies. Come on ref.”
A fourth fan sarcastically joked, “Bit of an early stoppage if I’m being completely honest.”
Another user on X remarked, “An awfully late stoppage. Absolutely atrocious.”
A sixth fan wrote, “That was a HORRIBLE stoppage. Jason Herzog may have just ended Reed’s career.”
Jack Thornley