The UFC broadcast team expressed shock and criticism over referee Dan Miragliotta's decision to stand up fighters during a bout at the UFC event in Raleigh, North Carolina on January 25. Commentators described the move as "inexplicable" and labeled it "a referee error" during the live broadcast.
The incident occurred at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, where Miragliotta intervened to return fighters to their feet from a ground position. The broadcast team's immediate reaction highlighted the rarity of such public criticism toward an official's judgment during a UFC event.
Miragliotta, a veteran MMA referee, has officiated numerous high-profile UFC fights. The January 25 event marked another appearance for the official in the Octagon. Photos from the event captured by Jeff Bottari for Zuffa LLC show Miragliotta in action during the card.
