AUSTIN, Texas - Dana White, the CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has expressed his disappointment over the referee's "very bad" stoppage in the lightweight co-headliner between Jalin Turner and Bobby Green at UFC on ESPN 52. The controversial decision left the MMA community infuriated and sparked a discussion about fighter safety.

During the opening round of the bout at Moody Center, Turner managed to land a powerful knockout blow on Green, causing him to fall to the canvas. However, referee Kerry Hatley allowed Green to suffer a series of additional shots before intervening. This prolonged sequence of strikes caused outrage among fans and professionals alike.

White, known for his straightforward approach, agreed that the stoppage was one of the worst he had ever witnessed. Unlike previous instances where White criticized referees for their questionable decisions, Hatley demonstrated regret for his inaction after the fight concluded.

"The difference is we've had some refs say some dumb sh*t in the past, like, 'I allowed her to be a warrior tonight,' and goofy sh*t like that. He knows he made a mistake tonight and does not feel good about it, so it's unfortunate," White stated candidly to MMA Junkie and other reporters post-fight at UFC on ESPN 52.

Despite managing to leave the octagon under his own power, Green appeared visibly shaken by the force of the knockout and the subsequent extra shots he endured. It was universally agreed that the stoppage was not in accordance with appropriate fighter safety protocols.

"Definitely a bad stoppage. Very bad," remarked White, echoing the sentiments of many in the MMA community.

While Green's health was not seriously compromised, the incident reignited the ongoing debate surrounding the role of referees in ensuring the welfare of fighters during intense octagon battles. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of swift and decisive action by officials to prevent unnecessary harm to competitors.

For further updates and analysis on UFC on ESPN 52, fans can visit the MMA Junkie event hub. Additionally, the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel provide platforms for fans to engage in discussions about this controversial incident and other mixed martial arts content.