John McCarthy says referee screwed Chris Curtis

John McCarthy believes Chris Curtis has a proper to be upset about his loss at UFC Struggle Evening 249.

Curtis (31-12 MMA, 5-4 UFC) was outraged by referee Mark Smith’s stoppage of his combat in opposition to Roman Kopylov (13-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) on Saturday on the UFC Apex, the place he was dropped with one second left within the combat.

After touchdown a head kick that floored Curtis, Kopylov walked means, prompting Smith to waive the combat off. Curtis instantly protested, and former referee McCarthy explains why he agrees.

“Going into the third, I had it 1-1,” McCarthy mentioned on his “Weighing-In” podcast. “It was apparent Kopylov was profitable the third spherical, however I do know the stoppage was dangerous. If Kopylov had gone after Chris, it’s a very good stoppage. …You’ve acquired to cease the combat when the individual can not defend themselves and at that second, there was nothing to defend in opposition to. You’re looking at what occurred with Curtis. Curtis acquired harm, he acquired hit with a very good kick and goes down on the facet, however he’s trying in the direction of his opponent to a degree, and his opponent’s strolling off.

“He has nothing to defend. Don’t cease the combat there. If he’s out, cease the combat. But when he’s not, and his opponent’s strolling off and I’ve already heard the clapping of the boards, so I do know I’ve been counting off in my head, in the event you’re doing the job appropriately, what second I’m at. I do know that I’ve solely acquired two, three seconds left on this combat, and I’ve an opponent who’s strolling away, I don’t cease the combat.”

Kopylov defended Smith’s stoppage, whereas Curtis launched an announcement after the combat venting his frustration.

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC Struggle Evening 249.