The more raucous boos on Saturdays UFC 61: Bitter Rivals card were reserved for referee Herb Dean (Pictures), who oversaw the second confrontation between rivals Ken Shamrock (Pictures) and Tito Ortiz (Pictures).
I stopped the fight because he received five elbows without any attempt to defend himself, Dean explained to Sherdog.com Tuesday afternoon. I believe he was unconscious. I think he was out with the first one.
After a brief scuffle, Ortiz deposited Shamrock on his back and used arching elbows to deliver five clean strikes directly to Shamrocks face. At that critical time, he was unable to defend himself, Dean recounted. I was certain of that. I cant think of another reason to take five elbows without doing anything else.
Once Dean separated the athletes, Shamrock popped up and appeared to be unfazed by the barrage.
I cant be accountable for how fast hes going to recover, Dean said.
Upon review of the fight and consulting with the Nevada State Athletic Commission, Dean believes he made the right if not popular choice.
The commission believed it was a good call, the referee said. Im not popular right now, but I dont think it was a bad call. I hated to see the fight end like that. Ill let guys go as long as theyre able to fight back. But at that point, he wasnt.
Im going to have to make calls that people arent going to be happy about. Thats my job. I cant do what everyone else wants. Its my conscience.
Vacationing with family this week, Shamrock was unavailable for comment.