5 UFC fights that should have been stopped sooner
UFC fans are always quick to criticize a stoppage as being too quick or too late when it comes to fight-ending sequences. The referees always try to stop the fight as they see fit. But sometimes, they miss out on specific cues and make bad calls.
It's not always about the officials, doctors, or corners, as fighters themselves need to be blamed at times for carrying on when they can't. Instead of fighting another day, they choose to be tough and see the fight through till the end to prove something to themselves and the fans.
So here's a look at five UFC fights that should have been stopped much earlier but went on for too long.
#5. Glover Teixiera vs. Anthony Smith at UFC Fight Night 171
When the entire commentary team talks about how the fight needs to end, it shows that someone has taken more damage than they needed to. That is exactly what happened when Glover Teixiera took on Anthony Smith.
In the third round, Smith was dropped by Teixeira, faceplanting him into the canvas. But 'Lionheart' soldiered on. There were many moments in the third round when referee Jason Herzog could have stopped the fight but, for whatever reason, chose not to.
Smith even told his corner that his teeth were falling out, but they didn't seem to acknowledge it. Smith went into the fifth round without landing a single strike, and the fight mercifully ended a minute in.
Teixeira: Sorry, Anthony, it’s part of the job.
Smith: What?
Teixeira: Sorry. Part of the job.
Smith: Yeah. It is what it is.
This mid-fight convo between @gloverteixeira and @lionheartasmith is wild 🤯 #UFCJax https://t.co/p4VEPqFjxI
After the fight was over, Dana White and the fans were quick to criticize Jason Herzog and Smith's corner for not stopping the fight. But the American insisted he would have fired anyone who threw in the towel.