CSAC’s Andy Foster: Herb Dean made right call in Pereira-Gane fight

The California State Athletic Commission's executive director Andy Foster has defended referee Herb Dean's handling of the UFC Freedom 250 interim title fight between Ciryl Gane and Alex Pereira, which ended in a technical knockout victory for the Frenchman.

Pereira has been vocal in his criticism of Dean's officiating, arguing that the referee should have stopped the action after Gane landed multiple punches to the back of his head during the finishing sequence. The Brazilian contender claims those illegal strikes were instrumental in setting up the TKO, and his complaints have fueled broader scrutiny of Dean's recent performances in high-profile bouts.

Foster, however, believes Dean made the correct decision and would not have acted differently had another top referee been in the cage. The CSAC official explained the difficult position referees face in such situations: stopping the action to address fouls risks giving an injured fighter time to recover from legal damage, potentially altering the bout's outcome unfairly. "That's the dilemma," Foster said. "I think it's worse if he stops it."

Foster emphasized that Dean remains one of California's most experienced and trusted officials. "Herb Dean's a good referee," he stated. "Herb Dean has my full confidence," and confirmed that Dean will continue to work main events for UFC cards under CSAC jurisdiction. The executive director's public backing of Dean appears designed to quell the controversy and reaffirm confidence in the veteran referee's judgment during a moment of significant scrutiny.