UFC referee firestorm grows as Charles Oliveira targets Herb Dean

Charles Oliveira criticized referee Herb Dean over officiating in the UFC Freedom 250 co-main event, citing alleged illegal strikes and officiating decisions. The former UFC lightweight champion said Ciryl Gane landed illegal strikes on Alex Pereira and argued Dean did not intervene appropriately. Oliveira's remarks add to ongoing Herb Dean criticism from Henry Cejudo, Jorge Masvidal, and Dominick Cruz following Gane's win.He defended Pereira's response after the knockdown, noting Pereira went for Gane's legs to protect himself and contending some shots hit the back of the head. Oliveira compared the situation to his UFC 262 title fight with Michael Chandler, recalling an eye poke and back-of-the-head blows, and said referees must determine when to halt action.