Mario Yamasaki is not UFC President Dana White’s favorite person – and that’s putting it mildly.
During an appearance on “UFC Tonight,” White said of the veteran referee, “I think he’s disgusting, and I never want to see him reffing ever again.”
Those remarks followed up White’s already searing criticism of Yamasaki on Instagram following Valentina Shevchenko’s second-round submission win over Priscila Cachoeira last weekend at UFC Fight Night 125. Yamasaki has come under fire for his reluctance to stop the bout sooner, even as Shevchenko (15-3 MMA, 4-2 UFC) battered and bloodied Cahcoeira (8-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) with 230 strikes to just three for the promotional newcomer.
Yamasaki’s explanation was that Cachoeira was responsive to his commands during the beatdown, which is why he allowed her “to be a warrior and keep fighting.” Cachoeira also could’ve tapped from strikes at any moment or had her team throw in the towel.
To White, both of those defenses are inexcusable.
Priscila Cachoeira moments after tapping out to Valentina Shevchenko.
“She didn’t tap, and that’s the thing. The reality is, when you’re a fighter – and it’s one of the reasons this sport is as big as it is, because most of you guys don’t tap,” White told hosts Michael Bisping and Kenny Floria. “Most of you guys stay in there, and she did fight like a warrior. For that idiot to say he gave her the opportunity to be a warrior – no. No, you moron. You’re in there to protect her from herself.
“He makes me sick. That guy has no business reffing fights. And I promise you, you’re never going to see him again.”
UFC executive David Shaw said after the event that the organization would work with the Brazilian Athletic Commission of MMA (CABMMA) to prevent similar situations in the future. CABMMA has acknowledged that Yamasaki should’ve stopped the fight sooner.
Cachoeira, who faces a six-month medical suspension for the beating she took, likely will be out longer because of a torn ACL and meniscus suffered in the loss.
For complete coverage of UFC Fight Night 125, check out the UFC Events section of the site.
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