It isn’t every day that it happens, but occasionally in mixed martial arts there will be a fighter vs referee dispute and at times it can even turn physical. In this compilation video we take a look at the best clips of these incidents that have been captured on video, some of them being on accident while others are completely thought out and premeditated.

Referees are often referred to as the third man in the ring (or cage), but they aren’t only there to call a break in the action for the occasional nut shot or eye poke.

Most importantly, they are there to call an end to the fight when one of the combatants is no longer able to defend themselves, but in a sport where emotions can run so overwhelmingly high things don’t always go as smoothly as they should.

Whether it be from a fighter purposefully turning on and attacking a referee or a concussed fighter accidentally doing so after the fight has been stopped, there comes a time when referees have to show their own martial arts prowess. You may remember the most infamous fighter vs referee incident that included former UFC welterweights Josh Koscheck and Paul Daley, where after the fight had reached the final bell Daley threw a left hook that forced referee Dan Miragliotta to restrain the fighter.

These types of occurrences are unfortunately more common in smaller organizations with less experienced fighters… But luckily they’re usually caught on tape so that we can enjoy the madness of the moment later, after all the dust has settled and everyone is safe.

Can you think of any clips that weren’t included that should have been? Should a fighter ever be able to compete again after knowingly attacking a refereeing official? Check out the video and let us know what you think in the comments below!