UFC commentator Jon Anik has walked back his criticism of referee Kerry Hatley for the beating Josiah Harrell took at UFC Houston.
The main event featured a match-up between middleweight contenders Sean Strickland and Anthony Hernandez, but most of the headlines came from earlier in the night.
The prelims did not offer much excitement, with only one of eight fights ending inside the distance – and that came via a nasty injury.
But just one fight into the main card, undefeated Jacobe Smith got things going with an impressive showing against Josiah Harrell.
Jon Anik eases back on criticism of Kerry Hatley following ‘super late stoppage’ comment
Harrell, facing off against Smith, tried to bring the fight to the mat. But Smith, who is no stranger to wrestling exchanges, quickly turned the tables and locked Harrell into a crucifix position.
From there, ‘Cobe’ unleashed a flurry of ground strikes that left Harrell out cold before the referee stepped in.
Many fans were quick to criticise Kerry Hatley for what they saw as an unnecessary delay in stopping the bout. The general consensus was that Smith had been allowed to land several elbows even after Harrell was already out.
The UFC commentary team echoed those sentiments. Jon Anik did not hold back during the broadcast, saying it was a ‘super late stoppage’ and questioning Hatley’s decision-making.
“Kerry Hatley maybe didn’t like the extra blows,” Anik said while watching a replay showing Hatley pushing Smith off of Harrell in frustration.
Anik continued: “No, that was a super late stoppage from Kerry Hatley. It is the referee’s job not the fighter’s job to stop the fight. Yeah, I mean you see Hatley’s frustration but he was sort of the man at error, didn’t get in there quick enough.”
However, after reviewing slowed-down footage posted by fans defending Hatley’s decision, Anik took back his criticism and responded publicly online.
“Fair. Was a bit too hard on him in the moment. Live TV,” he replied.
Josiah Harrell shares a message from hospital bed after loss to Jacobe Smith at UFC Houston
Just hours after his knockout defeat, which left him unconscious for several minutes, Harrell shared an update from the hospital.
“Thank you all for the love or hate, I appreciate it. I am indeed, good. Got stuck in a s—– positions from what I’ve seen. Will have to go back and watch the fight. We will be back. Glory to Jesus Christ,” he posted on his Instagram history.
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