Ireland’s Kiefer Crosbie has expressed frustration at referee Marc Goddard after his UFC fight in China ended shortly after an illegal knee from opponent Taiyilake Nueraji.
Idman.biz, citing BBC, reports that the Irish fighter was struck while seated, with Nueraji losing two points for the foul. Goddard allowed Crosbie, who was cleared by the fight doctor, to continue after just 45 seconds of recovery.
Crosbie called the decision “ridiculous,” questioning why he wasn’t given the standard five minutes allowed in such situations, claiming he was still concussed and confused when asked to resume.
While UFC rules allow up to five minutes for recovery after illegal blows, the referee can restart the fight once a fighter is deemed fit. Crosbie was assessed in the octagon, and upon nodding agreement, the fight resumed. Former UFC champion Michael Bisping and commentator Laura Sanko defended Goddard’s decision, noting Crosbie had the right to refuse continuation and claim a disqualification win. The defeat marked Crosbie’s third consecutive UFC loss, leaving his career at a crossroads. Despite his criticism, Crosbie praised Goddard as one of the sport’s best referees, describing the situation as a “horrendous decision” that risked his safety.
Idman.biz
