Yamasaki: I’m a 5th degree black belt, Chiesa was out

In the main event of UFC Fight Night 112, lightweight Michael Chiesa was in a rear naked choke and appeared on the verge of going out when referee Mario Yamasaki stopped the fight with 23 seconds to go, awarding the fight to Lee. Chiesa immediately protested, and later appealed the loss with the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission. OSAC executive director Joe Miller.

As can be seen below, Chiesa’s arms appeared to go limp to a significant degree immediately before the stoppage, but he attributed the “relaxing” to engaging his core and shoulders to shrug in order to reduce pressure.

I was in this specific position for less than two seconds before Mr. Yamasaki wrongfully ended the contest, wrote Chiesa. Mr. Yamasaki offered no warnings that he may stop the bout and he did not make any effort to check my condition or offer any verbal commands of any kind.

UFC president Dana White was equally scathing in his criticism.

Was it a legit finish? Kevin Lee with a submission on Michael Chiesa that we'll be talking about for awhile! #UFCOKC https://t.co/mOFBUonnem

— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) June 26, 2017

Whatever can be seen there, it is not necessarily what can be seen from the best seat in the house. Sometimes punches that appear light to the asses in seats are in reality landing with tremendous force. And sometimes a fighter appears helpless and suffering, when in reality he or she is fighting on effectively.

In an interview with Brazil’s Combate, Yamasaki defended the stoppage.

It would be easier to just let him be, but I’m a fifth-degree jiu-jitsu black belt,” said Yamasaki, as transcribed by Lucas Rezende for BE. “I’m sure he went to sleep. Everyone said he didn’t tap, but there’s no tapping when you go to sleep, otherwise he would’ve moved his arm. I only have to move an athlete when I’m in doubt and there was no doubt. I saw a guy who stopped defending himself and going limp.

He came back very fast. I was in the moment, there’s nothing I can do. That’s where the confusion and the controversy begin. Dana, as a promoter and an excellent business man, is in his right. He promotes well. I don’t have to say anything. It’s his opinion, he thinks Chiesa didn’t go to sleep. Whoever is in there at the time knows. I don’t need to answer anything. The more I talk about this, the more it’ll grow.

I’m used to it. I’ve been doing this for 20 years. What hurt was my kids, nephews and nieces who are little, asking why they’re talking about me. People calling you things can get to you in the first or second day, but we’re tough. You just have to deal with it, there’s no way around it.