Do Bronx Defends Herb Dean and Rejects Banning the Referee After UFC Controversy
The debate over Herb Dean’s handling of Alex Pereira’s loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC White House has taken a new turn. Charles Oliveira, known as “Do Bronx,” stepped into the discussion — but to cool down the push for punishment. He acknowledged the illegal strikes, backed his compatriot’s criticism, and at the same time dismissed any idea of banning the most experienced referee in the octagon.
The disagreement between the Brazilians
Pereira did not hold back after the defeat. The former middleweight and light heavyweight champion publicly questioned Dean’s conduct during the fight, pointing to strikes to the back of the head that, in his view, were not properly stopped by the referee — something that may have changed the course of the bout. The loss stung even more because of the stakes: Pereira was trying to become the first fighter in UFC history to win titles in three different divisions.
Do Bronx was more measured. The BMF champion confirmed that the illegal strikes did happen — but he refused to turn it into a witch hunt against the referee. For the Santos native, misjudgments are part of the brutal speed at which MMA unfolds.
Oliveira’s argument
Charles was direct in explaining his stance. Dean has refereed several of his fights over the years and has always treated him with respect. That counts for something. “For me, I see no problem at all with him refereeing my fight,” said the former lightweight champion, noting that the angle of view inside the octagon, under pressure, can be very different from what the cameras show.
More than simply defending the referee, Do Bronx offered a teaching moment. In his view, the episode should serve as a warning for referees, commissions, and the UFC itself — an opportunity to sharpen officiating standards in high-impact fights, rather than an excuse for summary punishment. “This leaves something of a lesson so everyone stays aware and sharp, so that these problems don’t happen,” he concluded.
What comes next for Charles
With the debate settled on his end, Oliveira is now eyeing his next step in the organization. The BMF titleholder is openly campaigning to face Justin Gaethje, the current lightweight champion, in a rematch that would reunite two of the biggest names in the division up to 70 kg. The last time the two met, in May 2022, Gaethje won by technical knockout in the third round — and Do Bronx clearly has not forgotten.
