Francis Ngannou put the heavyweight division on notice when he beat Renan Ferreira to win via TKO in the first round of the PLF heavyweight bout. Ngannou reminded MMA fans how vicious he can be in the cage as he absolutely steamrolled Renan Fereira, knocking him unconscious in the first round of the PFL: Battle of the Giants event in Saudi Arabia. The official, officiating the match Dan Miragliotta is getting slammed for his performance after a late stoppage.
Dan Miragliotta Age
Dan Miragliotta was born August 30 1963. He is 60 years old.
Dan Miragliotta MMA Referee Career
Dan Miragliotta is a professional mixed martial arts referee, judge, and former actor from the United States best known for officiating numerous bouts promoted by the UFC, dating back to UFC 78. As of September 2024, Migagliotta has officiated 1203 MMA fights. He has officiated many fights including Francis Ngannous Vs Renan Ferreira.
Miragliotta’s martial arts journey began with Kenpo karate, where he developed foundational skills in striking techniques. Later, he expanded his training to include Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and Doce Pares Eskrima.
His diverse training allowed him to understand various fighting styles, making him a knowledgeable official in the cage. He began running his own MMA events in the 1990s, which gave him hands-on experience in the sport.
Dan Miragliotta MMA Controversy
While well-liked by most athletes, throughout his career, Miragliotta has faced some controversies. As a referee, he has made decisions that sparked debates among fans and fighters. For example, during a fight, his stoppage calls have occasionally been questioned for either being too early or too late.
Miragliotta defends his choices by explaining that fighter safety is his top priority. He is committed to ensuring that all fighters compete in a fair and safe environment.
Francis Ngannou Calls out Dan Miragliotta for Late Stoppage
Following his victory over Renan Ferreira, MMA fans were moved by Ngannou’s touching tribute to his late son, Kobe, who tragically passed away at 15 months old.
For a large percentage of fans, too, the Cameroonian’s stoppage came several unanswered blows too late, with referee Dan Miragliotta getting slammed for his performance.
Prior to Miragliotta’s intervention, Ngannou had his opponent up against the cage, unleashing a relentless ground-and-pound attack against a defenseless Ferreira.
Yet still, with the referee remaining hesitant to call the stoppage, the former UFC heavyweight champion was forced to resume the one-sided beatdown until his fight was finally waved off.
🤝Francis Ngannou thinks the referee should've waved off his fight against Renan Ferreira earlier:
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 21, 2024
"As much as I wanted to win the fight, I didn't want to throw any unnecessary punch, I didn't want to do any unnecessary damage…
I don't want to stop to figure out, to ask so I… pic.twitter.com/nPuf5kpbu5
“I just wanted to win my fight and go home, but the referee was there, and I has hitting [Ferreira], and I’m like, ‘I think this is maybe when to stop [the fight].’
“I don’t want to stop to figure out, to ask so I just keep pounding…at least 4/5 punches was unnecessary. If it was me we would’ve stopped earlier.”
Dan Miragliotta Fan’s Reactions
Social media was filled with fans reactions to the late stoppage with some stating:
“Could’ve ended Renans life” one fan on their official X account stated.
FUCK DAN MIRAGLIOTTA 🖕🏽
— SU 🥋 (@Nolimitsu_) October 19, 2024
Could’ve ended Renans life pic.twitter.com/31zIGhrOKu
Another one said, “Ok, I can understand when the fighter is taking shots, but blocks the punches with his hand, but not when the fighter is clearly knocked out. Dan Miragliotta fucked up, again. #NgannouFerreira Francis still a beast.:”
Ok, I can understand when the fighter is taking shots, but blocks the punches with his hand, but not when the fighter is clearly knocked out.
— MoonSurfer 🌕(Franky) (@FrankyKas_) October 20, 2024
Dan Miragliotta fucked up, again.#NgannouFerreira Francis still a beast. pic.twitter.com/JyW6V2bHGQ