Alongside Steve Mazzagati, Mario Yamasaki garnered a reputation over the years as one of MMA’s most regularly criticized referees. Most notably in his long stint as one of the go-to officials for UFC fights. Dana White in particular hasn’t been shy about his dislike for Yasamaski, and some of the referee’s more questionable calls.
It’s been years since the UFC stopped using Yamasaki in their bouts, but the referee has only now decided to step forward and issue his response. Looking back on his career, the 58-year-old says his career wasn’t nearly so bad as some made it out to be.