Mixed martial arts is a hurting game. When it involves someone like UFC heavyweight contender Derrick Lewis who has had just one fight go to decision in the last five years, the odds of someone getting hurt rise sharply. UFC Fight Night 105, Derrick Lewis landed multiple blows on a helpless Travis Browne before referee Mario Yamasaki brought the fight to a close.

I appreciate it, said Lewis at the post-fight press conference, as transcribed by Guilherme Cruz for MMA Fighting. Where [Yamasaki] at? I appreciate it, I appreciated him letting the fight go a little longer than what it should. I just wanted to get my anger out on Travis’ face because he likes to hit on women. So I appreciate him for doing that. I keep it real.

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Yamasaki concedes he made a mistake.

“Right in the moment, I already knew that I allowed two extra punches, said Yamasaki, “But the reaction time from a heavyweight is different than a lighter fighter. So when [Lewis] landed the punch where [Browne] went out, he was able to land two more before I came in to stop the fight. But, for sure, I should have stopped it a little earlier. Everyone has his days, and I can’t give excuses.”

“I try to be as consistent as possible, but sometimes you can’t. I wanted to give him another chance because early in the fight he was getting knocked out standing and he said ‘I’m fine, I’m fine,’ and I saw that he was trying to defend himself so I let him continue, and on the ground, it went a little longer.

“I’m sure that Browne likes that we let the fight go on a little longer so he has a chance to come back. No fighter likes early stoppages, but it happens. There’s no excuse. I know I should have stopped it earlier, but it was so fast I couldn’t stop it.”