Referee Herb Dean backs Marc Goddard's calls in Khamzat Chimaev's victory over Dricus Du Plessis

Herb Dean supported Marc Goddard's decision to stand up Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis during UFC 319. Chimaev, with a record of 15-0 MMA and 9-0 UFC, dominated Du Plessis, who holds a record of 23-3 MMA and 9-1 UFC, by taking him down 12 times and controlling him for over 21 minutes. Despite Chimaev's ground dominance, referee Goddard intervened twice due to perceived inactivity.

While Robert Whittaker, Reinier de Ridder, and Demetrious Johnson criticized Goddard's actions, fellow referee Herb Dean defended the stand-ups. Dean emphasized the importance of rewarding fighters for actively seeking to finish their opponents and shaping the sport to prioritize action and risk-taking.

Chimaev maintained control throughout the fight, winning every round against Du Plessis. The judges scored Round 3 as a 10-8 round in favor of Chimaev.