‘Should lose his job’: Fans savage UFC referee over illegal punches

A UFC referee has come under heavy fire from irate fans after allowing a fighter to get away with a plethora of illegal blows.

UFC referee Keith Peterson has been called out by irate fight fans following his performance during Michael Chandler’s fight against Charles Oliveira.

The co-main event at UFC 309 inside Madison Square Garden went the distance as Oliveira dominated his rival to claim the unanimous decision victory.

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But it was almost Chandler who emerged victorious after a fifth round onslaught.

After four rounds of being brutalised, Chandler unleashed as he stunned Oliveira with some hellacious punches before the fight went to the canvas.

It was then that Chandler delivered a plethora of fists to the back of Oliveira’s head, an act that is illegal in the UFC.

Peterson however let it slide, despite being in perfect position to see the blows land flush on the back of Oliveira’s head.

UFC fighters and fans couldn’t quite believe what they were watching unfold in front of their eyes and quickly took aim at Peterson with many calling for him to be given the boot.

Michael Chandler's countless head blows

Aljamain Sterling wrote on X: “Wow! Talk about back of the head punches! That was brutal! Ref not saying sh*t.”

Jessica Penne added: “Are we not calling strikes to the back of the head anymore?”

DovySimuMMA wrote: “Back of the head, ref should lose his job.”

ACD MMA wrote: “How tf were this many shots to the back of the head allowed?”

Another fan added: "Dude this could literally cause horrific brain damage, Keith Peterson needs to be released.”

Chandler almost stole the show. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Despite the oversight from Peterson, Chandler had fans out of their seats as he almost came back from the dead.

UFC commentator Joe Rogan was stunned by the drama that was unfolding as Oliveira scrambled to escape.

Oliviera was able to slip out and got back to his feet, but Chandler kept hunting him until the final bell.

Chandler showed what a force he was in the fifth found by suplexing Oliviera onto his back.

“That fifth round was one of the greatest rounds I’ve ever seen in my life,” Rogan said on ESPN.

“Oh my goodness”.

When discussing Chandler, Rogan said: “He is such an animal”.

Oliviera now stands as the man most likely to get the next title shot in the lightweight division.