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Sickening scenes as UFC referee 'almost gets fighter killed'

Controversy has erupted in the UFC after a referee’s ‘shocking’ call ‘almost got a fighter killed’.

Experienced ref Herb Dean is being slammed on social media for his officiating of the bout between CB Dollaway and Khalid Murtazaliev at UFC Moscow.

As you can see in the video above, Dollaway took an absolute beating and appeared to be spent as he lay on the canvas with Murtazaliev raining down fists and knees on him.

Dean warned Dollaway to fight back, and even though he showed no signs of doing that, the fight continued until the end of the round.

Khalid Murtazaliev punches CB Dollaway in their middleweight bout. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Khalid Murtazaliev punches CB Dollaway in their middleweight bout. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Dollaway couldn’t even make it to the stool after the bell rang, and Dean called the fight off after realising the fighter was no chance of continuing.

But for many fans and commentators, Dean’s decision to stop the fight came way too late.

“Dollaway’s had enough. Dollaway’s curled up in a ball. He’s had enough,” one commentator said.

“He’s trying to fight back, but there’s just no energy left in his body… Surely this fight needs stopping. Surely this fight needs stopping.”

Khalid Murtazaliev celebrates his TKO victory over CB Dollaway. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Khalid Murtazaliev celebrates his TKO victory over CB Dollaway. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

“It’s over. What is he doing?” another commentator added.

“I normally like Herb Dean, but that was a big mistake on his part right there.”

Some fans went as far as to say that Dean’s no-call could have resulted in Dollaway’s death.

Mark Hunt taught lesson in grappling

The UFC’s historic first event in Russia ended in defeat for Sydney-based fighter Mark Hunt, who suffered a stunning first round defeat to Aleksei Oleinik.

The Russian man gave home fans in Moscow plenty to cheer about at Fight Night 136 after trapping Hunt with a superbly executed rear-naked choke for the biggest win of his UFC career.

Oleinik withstood an early barrage as Hunt unloaded with a series of blistering leg kicks, followed by a massive right hand in their heavyweight showdown.

The Russian man put Hunt down briefly after catching him with a quick shot, before seizing on his big opportunity to take the former K-1 kickboxer onto the canvas.

Oleinik caught Hunt’s trailing leg and dragged him down onto the floor, before locking his forearm around the head of the ‘Super Samoan’.

Hunt did his best to keep the Russian from locking in the choke hold but as the big man began tiring, Oleinik pounced and the contest was as good as over.

Slipping a forearm underneath Hunt’s chin to lock up the rear naked choke, Oleinik have his rival no choice but to tap out with the end of the fight coming at 4:26 into the opening round.

with AAP