LAS VEGAS – Dana White knew the question was coming, but if he had deeply intricate thoughts on the subject he chose to keep them under wraps Wednesday when asked.
Referee Dan Miragliotta became the center of attention in the combat sports universe Saturday when he stood up the UFC Fight Night 292 main event between Renato Moicano and Tom Nolan. At the time of the standup, Moicano (21-8-1 MMA, 13-8 UFC) was on Nolan's back with a body triangle locked, seeking a rear-naked choke.
So, what were White's thoughts on the matter?
"I knew that (question) was coming," White told MMA Junkie and reporters at media event promoting his bull Playmate. "I honestly don't know what to think about it. We actually haven't talked about it here at all. We haven't even discussed
it."
The Unified Rules of MMA allow for referees to stand up fights during elongated periods of timidity. However, officials seldom, if ever, have historically stood up fights when one athlete has the back or is in mount. Miragliotta, however, made that call.
"I don't think it's about having the dominant position," White said. "I think it's about are you doing damage and are you trying to win the fight? Are you doing damage and are you trying to win the fight? Because if that's what you want to do, some of these guys are so good they can take your back and just ride it out for three rounds. The rules are if you're not doing damage or trying to advance your position, or trying to win the fight, you get stood up."
Nolan (12-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) almost immediately turned the tables after the standup. He battered Moicano for the remainder of the second round and finished the fight with punches in Round 3. The way the fight played out opened up the discussion about not only Miragliotta's decision, but if refereeing can be improved as a whole.
When "Big" John McCarthy revealed the most he was ever paid in his career to work a UFC event was $2,000, it opened up the conversation as to whether increased pay could enhance officiating.
White, however, took a stance similar to the one he takes when fighter pay questions arise.
"So people online are saying the refs aren't getting paid enough?" White said. "That's the Nevada State Athletic Commission. That has nothing to do with me. That's up to them. Everybody online is always worried about what everybody else is f*cking making. Worry about your f*cking self. Shut the f*ck up."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Dana White reacts to Dan Miragliotta's controversial UFC standup
