Yamasaki claims he didn't make a mistake (Photo: Reproduction/Twitter MarioYamasaki)
Much criticized for the controversial move that declared Kevin Lee's victory over Michael Chiesa at UFC Oklahoma, on June 25th, Mario Yamasaki finally defended himself. At the time, the Brazilian referee stopped the fight without Chiesa giving up due to the rear naked choke placed by Lee. The move generated criticism even from Dana White, president of Ultimate, but Yamasaki maintained his stance and guaranteed that there was no mistake. on his part, stating that the fighter would not be able to escape the position, in addition to having given signs that he would 'go out'.
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“As I have been in the UFC for 18 years, this is an indication that he is going to sleep. (In this position) You can't hit, it's impossible. His arm went limp and his eye glazed over. There's no way to beat it. When I stopped, the blood came back. If you look at the fight, you realize that the hand fell and that's where I interrupted”, he explained, in an interview with the program 'Esporte Espetacular'.
Asked about adstatement from Dana, who blasted him after the supposed error, Yamasaki admitted that it is never good to be criticized, but he assured that it does not interfere with his work.
“He (Dana White) has the right to speak and give his opinion. We take it a little badly, but it's part of our job. You have to decide there and you can't let the athlete harm himself more than he should”, explained Mario, who concluded by responding to the criticism that the president made regarding his famous gesture of heart, always made before fights.
“I give my heart to my family and children. It became my brand. I’m going to keep doing it and everyone can find what they want,” she concluded.
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