Kevin Holland argues fighters spend too much time complaining about referees: ‘There’s no reason to bitch and complain’

UFC veteran Kevin Holland has criticized fighters for publicly complaining about referees, arguing that such complaints distract from the sport and ignore the difficult job officials perform. Holland's comments come in the wake of recent controversy surrounding referee Herb Dean, whose handling of UFC White House—where he stopped Alex Pereira's fight against Ciryl Gane—has drawn intense scrutiny. Pereira launched a public campaign questioning Dean's decision-making, claiming some illegal blows to the back of the head went uncalled before the stoppage. Since then, Dean has faced vocal boos from fans whenever he appears on camera, a stark reversal from his previously favorable standing in the MMA community.

Holland, who has fought under Dean's supervision multiple times with mixed results, takes a different philosophical stance. He argues that while referees occasionally miss calls or make questionable decisions in the chaos of combat, fighters signed up knowing they must "protect yourself at all times." He points out that Jamahal Hill also complained about Dean's reset decision at UFC 300, yet that criticism received far less attention than Pereira's recent campaign. Holland believes dwelling on referee mistakes serves no purpose and sets a poor example—he referenced not wanting to teach his sons that complaining and blaming others is an acceptable response to unfavorable outcomes.

Holland acknowledges that officiating is imperfect and that rapid-fire exchanges sometimes contain nuances officials cannot catch in real time. Rather than campaign for a referee's removal, he advocates for fighters to accept results and improve their performance. He emphasized that Dean has been integral to MMA for years and likely manages an enormous mental and physical workload during fight broadcasts.

Dean has received public support from UFC CEO Dana White and Andy Foster of the California State Athletic Commission, suggesting institutional backing despite fan backlash. Holland's stance reflects a broader debate about accountability in MMA: while fairness matters, he contends that fighters bear responsibility for their own safety and that excessive public criticism of officials undermines the sport itself.