"Acts stern but allows fence grabs" - Fans in two minds about referee Mike Beltran yelling at Muhammad Mokaev mid-fight at UFC 304

Referee Mike Beltran's performance during the Muhammad Mokaev vs. Manel Kape fight at UFC 304 has sparked controversy, with fans questioning his handling of the contest.

While Mokaev emerged victorious via unanimous decision, the fight itself was largely uneventful, with both fighters showing a surprising lack of aggression considering their pre-fight animosity. However, a particular incident in the second round involving a short grab by Mokaev raised eyebrows. Beltran intervened, seemingly stern, but did not issue a point deduction.

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This lenient action has drawn criticism from fans on social media, with many expressing dissatisfaction with the referee's decision. One fan commented:

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“Acts stern but allows fence grabs and n*t kicks all night”

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highlighting the perceived inconsistency in Beltran's officiating.

Others echoed this sentiment, questioning the purpose of his reaction if no disciplinary action was taken:

“Meaningless, didn’t take away a point”

“Beltran is all talk”

“Should have taken a point instead of yelling.”

Check out some of the fan reactions below:

Fans react to referee Mike Beltran yelling at Muhmaad Mukaev at UFC 304.

Muhammad Mokaev accused referee Mike Beltran of "bullying" him

Muhammad Mokaev has accused referee Mike Beltran of being a 'juice head' following his victory over Manel Kape at UFC 304. The undefeated flyweight was furious with Beltran’s actions, accusing the official of “bullying” him.

The bad blood between Mokaev and Kape reached boiling point in the lead-up to the fight, with the pair getting involved in a physical altercation outside the octagon. Tensions carried over into the octagon, and as the fighters were preparing to start, Kape rushed forward, causing Beltran to intervene and separate the two.

In the post-fight media scrum, Mokaev took exception to Beltran’s handling of the situation, claiming:

"I didn't like this ref. I didn't like when Manel ran at me, he put me against the cage like squeezing my ribs against the cage right before the fight. Like, 'What are you doing?!' Get away from me. You don't need to do this, I understand you're a juice head. Take your juice and try to bully a flyweight in the octagon. Don't do this to me."

Check out Muhammad Mokaev's interview below (10:30):

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Manjit has been an MMA writer at Sportskeeda since the past 3 years, specializing in covering boxing and MMA. Drawing from his past training in MMA, he brings a unique perspective to his reporting at Sportskeeda, culminating in compelling content.

While Conor McGregor holds a special place as his favorite fighter for the sheer legacy that the Irishman has built in MMA, Manjit's appreciation for the sport extends beyond individual athletes.

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Edited by Anurag Mitra