Published 2 hours ago
The UFC fighter pays tribute to the controversial referee with a humorous training exercise while aiming for a strong return against Mike Malott
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Joaquin Buckley surprised fans with a parody video paying tribute to Herb Dean, the often-criticized UFC referee known for his controversial decisions. As he prepares for his fight against Mike Malott at UFC Edmonton this Saturday, Buckley shared an unusual training drill: the "Herb Dean Drill."
To remember:
- Joaquin Buckley posts a parody of the famous "Herb Dean Drill", inspired by the UFC referee’s controversial stoppages.
- In the drill, Buckley relentlessly hits a heavy bag while demanding: "Don’t let me kill him", a reference to criticism of Dean’s late interventions.
- Despite two consecutive losses, Buckley faces Mike Malott this Saturday, June 15, 2024 at UFC Edmonton, a crucial fight to revive his career.
Joaquin Buckley made headlines by posting a rather unconventional training video. In the clip, the UFC fighter decided to pay tribute to Herb Dean, the organization’s iconic referee, known for his sometimes controversial decisions. Under the name "Herb Dean Drill", Buckley turned a simple striking drill into a hilarious parody, where he relentlessly hits a heavy bag while demanding of his partner: "Don’t let me kill him". A direct reference to the recurring criticism of Dean’s late or premature stoppages, such as in the fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane.
This initiative, both humorous and bold, showcases Buckley’s fighting spirit and creativity. Despite suffering two consecutive losses, he remains determined to bounce back in his next fight. This Saturday, June 15, 2024, he will face Mike Malott at UFC Edmonton, an event where officiating could once again spark debate. The UFC has not yet announced which referee will oversee this welterweight main event, leaving the door open for a potential Herb Dean appearance.
A Tribute Tinged with Criticism
Beyond the humor in this video, Buckley doesn’t hide his respect for Herb Dean’s professionalism. In his caption, he emphasizes that despite the controversies, the referee remains a key figure in the UFC. This duality of admiration and criticism reflects the fighter’s mindset ahead of a pivotal bout. For Buckley, the "Herb Dean Drill" is also a way to defuse tensions around officiating while mentally preparing for his clash with Malott.
With this video, Buckley once again proves he knows how to capture the fans’ attention. Blending humor and seriousness, he tackles a sensitive topic for the UFC while staying focused on his career. A mix of strategy and creativity that could very well bring him luck this Saturday.