Dana White says Derrick Lewis’ UFC 277 loss ‘undoubtedly an early stoppage’ however kind of understands why

DALLAS – UFC president Dana White thinks referee Dan Miragliotta made an error when he stopped Derrick Lewis’ combat with Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 277.

Lewis (26-10 MMA, 17-8 UFC), a multi-time UFC title challenger and fan-favorite heavyweight, had his night time halted in just 55 seconds Saturday when Pavlovich (15-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) rocked him with an early flurry of their most important card bout at American Airways Heart in Dallas.

Though Lewis unquestionably was staggered and hit the canvas, he instantly protested the stoppage when Miragliotta jumped in to wave it off. The gang showered the octagon with boos, fellow fighters complained on social media, and solely Pavlovich and his workforce have been left comfortable.

“I believe it was too quickly, however to be honest – I believe Miragliotta’s an ideal ref – the way in which that he fell, most likely 9 out of the ten folks on this room would’ve jumped on him and stopped the combat, together with me,” White advised reporters, together with MMA Junkie, on the UFC 277 post-fight information convention. “I just like the ref, however I wouldn’t actually debate that was an early stoppage. That was undoubtedly an early stoppage.

“Once you soar proper again up like that and also you’re able to go – hear, he was somewhat rocked, however no extra rocked than Julianna (Peña) was three, 4 instances within the combat, and he or she fought 5 rounds. Miragliotta made a mistake, and it occurs. So I don’t suppose it diminishes Derrick Lewis in any respect. I’d’ve preferred to see that combat go on.”

With the defeat, Lewis has now dropped three of his previous 4. White mentioned he doesn’t suppose the outcome will damage Lewis, although, and nonetheless expects the UFC’s report holder for many knockouts to be related within the weight class.