UFC commentator Joe Rogan shared his strong reaction to a controversial standup by referee Dan Miragliotta during UFC Vegas 123. The incident occurred this past Saturday in the main event when Miragliotta ordered Renato Moicano and Tom Nolan back to their feet.
Controversial Standup Costs Moicano Dominant Position
Moicano had secured a body triangle and back control against Nolan, dominating the fight on the ground. Despite this dominant grappling position, Miragliotta chose to stand the fighters up, causing Moicano to lose his advantage. Shortly after the restart, Nolan knocked out Moicano and finished the fight.
Rogan expressed strong disapproval of the referee’s action, noting that such decisions raise concerns about the state of mixed martial arts officiating. Fellow commentator Jon Anik revealed Rogan’s thoughts via a text message shared on his YouTube channel, where both men condemned the decision.
Anik stated on his channel, quoting Rogan’s message to him and Daniel Cormier, “It’s not a sport if refs can do that. I’m not sure much else needs to be said.”
Calls for Transparency and Retirement
The MMA community widely agreed that the decision was a severe error, with virtually no one defending Miragliotta’s choice to interrupt the grappling exchange while a fighter was actively working for a finish from a dominant position.
Miragliotta has served as a top MMA official for many years, but controversial rulings of this magnitude have prompted discussions about whether the 63-year-old official should consider retiring from officiating in the sport.
