Yamasaki responds to criticism of waiting for tap
Mario Yamasaki: “MMA is a contact sport, and no fighter likes to have the fight interrupted without a chance to reverse the outcome.”
The UFC Fight Night 125 co-main event ended covered in blood and controversy. The #1 women’s bantamweight contender Valentina Shevchenko moved to flyweight, and struck newcomer Priscila Cachoeira 230 times, while received three strikes in return. The UFC caught some grief for making the match, and some wondered why Cachoeira’s corner didn’t throw in towel, although there is no throwing in the towel in MMA. But most of the criticism was directed at referee Mario Yamasaki, for not stopping the fight earlier.
Now the veteran ref has answered the critics.
In the second round, I signaled to ‘Pedrita’ that if she didn’t move I’d stop the bout,” said Yamasaki to MMAjunkie. Every time I went to stop it, I signaled it to her, and she moved in an attempt to escape the blows. Unfortunately, I also can’t control the number of strikes that are thrown. Again, while she’s looking for a turnaround, she’s in the game. Fighters go through periods of great effort and dedication in order to be there. MMA is a contact sport, and no fighter likes to have the fight interrupted without a chance to reverse the outcome.
The way I see it, I allowed ‘Pedrita’ to be a warrior and keep fighting. I could have stopped the fight in the second crucifix or in the mount, but she was moving at all times. I also recognize I should have stopped it on the first tap of the rear-naked choke, and I only stopped a few seconds later. As for other people’s opinions, they have their right to issue them.