Longtime mixed martial arts referee Mario Yamasaki stands behind his decision during the Michael Chiesa vs. Kevin Lee lightweight bout at UFC Fight Night 112 in June despite Chiesa’s criticism.
Lee locked in a rear-naked choke late in the first round, and Yamasaki stopped the contest before Chiesa tapped. “Maverick" appealed with the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission (OSAC), but they denied his request to overturn the loss to a no-contest.
"I saw the moment he went out,” Yamasaki told MMA Fighting. "He can complain, but there’s no other way.