8 Most Controversial UFC Refereeing Decisions Of 2019

8. Dan Miragliotta Decides A Punch Was To The Nose - UFC 238

In Tony Ferguson's grand return to the Octagon following his mental health episodes, against all-time legend Donald Cerrone no less, referee Dan Miragliotta caused quite the uproar when he awarded 'El Cucuy' the win via TKO.

After Ferguson landed a blow clearly after the bell right to Cerrone's dome, 'Cowboy' was then checked on by the doctor due to his eye swelling to comical size. The doctor rightfully waived the fight off due to Cerrone now resembling Popeye, and big Dan had to decide if it was the cheap shot that caused the swelling or not.

Following a video replay of the strike, he decided the shot after the bell landed on Cowboy's nose. People at home were then treated to the visual of the 49-fight veteran blowing his nose, something every fighter is taught not to do.

It was clear this was the real reason his eye ballooned, as air instantly filled his socket, though the Cerrone loyal still contend that Ferguson's punch was the true cause.

In hindsight, this seemed like the correct call. However the minutes long series of boos, the saddening visual of Tony Ferguson's head hung low in what was his comeback victory, and the explosion of anger for stopping such a great fight this way is hard to forget.