Moraes vs. Nkuta: Technical Submission Sparks Referee Controversy

On May 16, 2026, MVP MMA’s Rousey vs. Carano card in Inglewood, California featured a catch-weight bout between former ONE champion Adriano Moraes and undefeated prospect Phumi Nkuta. Two judges had Nkuta ahead 20-18, the third 19-19, suggesting a split-decision win. With 4:59 left in round 3, Moraes locked a rear-naked choke. Referee Herb Dean let the round expire, then used instant replay to determine Nkuta was unconscious before the bell, awarding a technical submission.

Aljamain Sterling: ‘Awful referee’ Herb Dean should be demoted to minor leagues after MVP MMA controversyHerb Dean defends controversial finish in Adriano Moraes vs. Phumi Nkuta: ‘I’m certain the right decision was made’Aljamain Sterling eviscerates referee Herb Dean over Adriano Moraes vs. Phumi Nkuta controversyPhumi Nkuta: Adriano Moraes ‘pulled a Rousimar Palhares on me,’ adamant he was not unconscious at final bellHeavy

The bout involved former ONE Flyweight Champion Adriano Moraes, rising flyweight Phumi Nkuta (teammate of former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling), veteran referee Herb Dean, and the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) represented by Andy Foster and John McCarthy.

Aljamain Sterling eviscerates referee Herb Dean over Adriano Moraes vs. Phumi Nkuta controversy

Dean said he was “certain that the right decision was made,” noting a “fraction of a second” before the bell showed Nkuta unconscious. He said his focus on the fighter’s hands during replay led to that conclusion and that he consulted CSAC officials before confirming the result. The CSAC confirmed Nkuta’s team may appeal, a right the commission upholds for disputed rulings.

Herb Dean defends controversial finish in Adriano Moraes vs. Phumi Nkuta: ‘I’m certain the right decision was made’

Sterling called Dean an “awful referee” and described the officiating community as a “good old boys club” that shields its members. He argued repeated errors merit demotion to lower-level events and warned that unchecked officiating undermines fighter safety and competitive integrity.

Heavy

Nkuta says he was still defending the choke when the bell sounded, recalling he “heard the 10-second clapper… then I wake up.” He contends the choke remained after the horn and that he only lost consciousness afterward. His camp filed an appeal to overturn the technical submission to a decision win.

Herb Dean defends controversial finish in Adriano Moraes vs. Phumi Nkuta: ‘I’m certain the right decision was made’

Dean’s replay analysis says Nkuta was unconscious before the bell; Nkuta’s testimony and video suggest the choke persisted after the bell. No independent adjudicator has ruled on the exact moment, leaving the appeal outcome uncertain.

Phumi Nkuta: Adriano Moraes ‘pulled a Rousimar Palhares on me,’ adamant he was not unconscious at final bell

• “Herb Dean, awful, awful referee.” — Aljamain Sterling

Heavy

• “I’m certain that the right decision was made,” — Herb Dean

Herb Dean defends controversial finish in Adriano Moraes vs. Phumi Nkuta: ‘I’m certain the right decision was made’

• “I heard the 10-second clapper, I’m fighting it with everything I’ve got.” — Phumi Nkuta

Phumi Nkuta: Adriano Moraes ‘pulled a Rousimar Palhares on me,’ adamant he was not unconscious at final bell

• “You have politics, everything for some reason, it’s just a good old boys club where you get in and once you’re in, it’s almost impossible to get you out.” — Aljamain Sterling

Heavy

The CSAC will review the appeal and decide whether to uphold the technical submission. Sterling’s call for a formal review of Dean’s officiating may fuel broader discussions about referee accountability and the use of instant replay in future MMA events.

Heavy