Dan Hardy was calling the action Octagon-side Saturday night at the final UFC Fight Night event on Fight Island.
Hardy, a former UFC title contender, let it be known that he was not pleased with veteran referee Herb Dean’s decision making in two bouts.
“I love Mixed Martial Arts. Sometimes it doesn’t love me back though, and that’s alright. Regardless, I’ll always do everything in my power to protect it, and those dedicating themselves to it,” Hardy posted on Instagram. “Sometimes you may disagree with me, and that’s alright as well. I’m always going to speak my mind, and it will always be backed by what I feel in my heart.
“If you understand what it takes to get in there, then you understand my passion and anger when I see a fighter left unprotected. It isn’t the first time it’s happened, and twice in a night is clear negligence, in my opinion.
“The referees job is more important than any other person in that building. It is on their shoulders to protect fighters from getting seriously hurt when they are unable to protect themselves.
“You may just see UFC fighters in there, but I see friends, teammates, sons, daughters, mothers and fathers, competing in the sport that they love.
“When I make a mistake, I look stupid on live TV. When a referee makes a mistake, people are left vulnerable and can be seriously damaged. That can be life-changing, and we all have someone to go home to, that loves us and wants us back in one piece.
“Thank you for all of the kind words and messages I’ve received. I am truly grateful. I’ll see you all around.”
Hardy could be heard from his position screaming for Dean to stop the Francisco Trinaldo vs. Jai Herbert contest that concluded the prelims. The bout aired live on ESPN.
He also was unimpressed by Dean’s decision-making in the Taner Boser vs. Raphael Pessoa bout.
Dean responded in a video posted to his Instagram account.