The head of the Nevada State Athletic Commission says criticism of officials won’t influence future assignments, to the contrary of UFC President Dana White’s recent comments. This past weekend following UFC 161, White blasted referee Steve Mazzagatti’s officiating in the World Series of Fighting 3 main event between Jon Fitch and Josh Burkman , saying Fitch’s safety was endangered when Mazzagatti failed to notice the fighter going unconscious from a guillotine choke early in the fight. (watch the Burkman vs. Fitch fight video .) At the same time, White lamented that his continued targeting of Mazzagatti would ensure the referee would continue to get big fights. “The Nevada State Athletic Commission will keep this guy around until he seriously hurts somebody,” White said to a small group of reporters following a post-event news conference for UFC 161, which MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) attended. “That guy is dangerous.” Fitch found himself caught in the chokehold after a brief exchange of punches early in the fight, which took place at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and was overseen by the NSAC. As Fitch staggered to the canvas, Burkman secured the submission and fell to his back. Fitch reached to free himself, but then went unconscious.
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NSAC head Keith Kizer defends Steve Mazzagatti, shrugs off Dana White comments – MMA Junkie