Ben Askren picked up a victory in his UFC debut Saturday night in Las Vegas thanks to a highly controversial stoppage by veteran referee Herb Dean in the first round.
Three minutes into an entertaining first round against Robbie Lawler, Askren locked in a bulldog choke up against the cage – which caused Lawler to appear to go out, if only briefly. Lawler’s right arm dropped to the mat as if limp, and Dean moved in to check if Lawler was still conscious and fighting.
Dean grabbed Lawler’s arm – which Lawler began moving again – but quickly stopped the match and signaled for Askren to break the hold. The instant Askren released his grip, Lawler shot up and protested the decision, arguing that he wasn’t knocked out and had not tapped.
Dean appeared apologetic to Lawler in the octagon, but as soon as a fight is waved off, the result is final. Fans in the T-Mobile Arena booed the announcement that Askren had won by submission, and UFC fighters were stunned. (Warning: tweets contain some profanity)
