Herb Dean Stops and Restarts Fight on The Ultimate Fighter 34

During The Ultimate Fighter 34, referee Herb Dean stopped a bantamweight fight between Xavier Franklin and Ilimbek Akylbek Uulu, only to restart it after a video review. This incident occurred in the final minute of the match, which featured fighters from Team Michael Bisping.

Franklin appeared to have stunned Akylbek Uulu and landed a significant right hand, prompting Dean to stop the fight. However, Uulu protested, claiming an eye poke had occurred. After reviewing the situation with a commissioner, Dean clarified that he had only paused the fight and not officially ended it.

Following a brief recovery period, the fight resumed with 50 seconds remaining. Akylbek Uulu ultimately won by decision, having controlled the latter rounds with wrestling. Bisping, who coached both fighters, expressed his belief that Franklin had achieved a stoppage. The incident has drawn criticism towards Dean, who has faced scrutiny for past officiating decisions. Uulu will advance to the TUF 34 bantamweight final against either Christian Strong or Mehemmedeli Osmanli.