Herb Dean Backs Marc Goddard’s Stand-Ups From Chimaev–Du Plessis Title Fight
Dean says the late separations fit referees’ discretion under the ABC 2025 rules that require effort toward finishing.
Overview
- Dean told journalist Helen Yee he was okay with the interventions, stressing that dominant positions should be used to attack or finish.
- Referee Marc Goddard stood the fighters up late in rounds four and five after prolonged top control, drawing divided reactions from coaches, fighters, and commentators.
- Fight lawyer Erik Magraken cited the ABC 2025 Unified Rules that allow stand-ups when neither athlete shows real, significant, sustained effort to advance a finish.
- Khamzat Chimaev captured the middleweight title at UFC 319 by unanimous decision (50-44, 50-44, 50-44) after 12 takedowns and repeated crucifix control over Dricus Du Plessis.
- There has been no reversal or sanction related to the officiating, and Goddard remains a veteran official with decades of high-profile experience.