Mike Perry won the second fight of his UFC career on Sunday night with a KO victory against Danny Roberts at UFC 204 in Manchester.
The KO came late in the third round of the bout when Perry landed a right hand which stunned his opponent. He followed that up with a knee to the head and another right hand. Roberts looked like he was out cold before he even hit the deck.
Referee Marc Goddard did not stop fight though. It took another three punches from Perry - with Roberts near unconscious on the floor - for him to stop the fight. To those watching, including the media, it was obviously an appallingly late stoppage by Goddard.
In fairness to Goddard, he is usually an excellent referee - one of the most respected in MMA.
On Sunday night, such was the volume of reaction to the stoppage directed at Goddard, he felt need to issue a statement. Goddard admitted that he should have acted quicker.
I received a TON of messages last night. Many personal and insulting but I'm a big boy and it goes with the territory. Accepted and expected. But know this, no one alive is more self critical, self analytical and a harsher reviewer of me than me. It's been a long time since ive ever felt so reflective but in an emotional sport my hearts so invested and I make it my business to teach acceptance honesty and humility.
So its in my life blood to look back - we deal with inches, seconds, heart beats and emotion so high I could never put it into words. In 1000's upon 1000's of fights around the globe for more years than most my upmost priority, my heartfelt duty is to protect the fighters whilst never unduly robbing them of the sacrifices they make I've been there on both ends. I love this sport more than I could put into words and. Would never shy away from something that, on any other night I'd have done differently. It breaks my heart to think that a fighter had incurred even one shot they shot they shouldn't have.
This is such a world of should, could, would. It's not a game for everyone. It's unique. The need for improvement, growth and acceptance remains continual - and I'll never stop giving these fighters what they truly deserve. Last night presented me with an instance that in truth on any other night on Earth I'm acting sooner - and that's the truth.
Thank you all.
Roberts was taken to hospital after the fight. He has since posted a video on Instagram where - considering how worrying his situation appeared immediately after the fight - he looking in relatively decent condition.
Here's the fight in question.
