UFC CEO Dana White weighs in on Dan Miragliotta's controversial stand-up during Renato Moicano and Tom Nolan's fight.
UFC Chief Executive Officer Dana White has finally addressed the massive refereeing controversy that took place last weekend at UFC Halloween inside the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
During the lightweight main event on Saturday, October 31, 2026, veteran referee Dan Miragliotta unexpectedly stood fighters Renato Moicano and Tom Nolan up while Moicano held a dominant back-mount position.
The controversial decision ultimately allowed Nolan to capitalize, badly hurt Moicano, and secure a technical knockout win in the third round, according to information published by mmamania.
Dana White Addresses Referee Dan Miragliotta
Speaking to reporters at UFC headquarters, Dana White admitted he was unsure how to feel about the controversial situation involving Dan Miragliotta and the lightweight main event.
White revealed that officials at the promotion had not yet discussed the incident internally, despite the massive firestorm of criticism from broadcast teams, fighters, and fans alike.
Rules on Dominant Positions in Mixed Martial Arts
When questioned about whether referees should ever stand fighters up from full mount or back mount, Dana White emphasized that simply holding a dominant position is not enough.
The UFC executive stated that the core factors are whether a fighter is actively doing damage, advancing position, and trying to win the fight rather than just riding out time.
Renato Moicano Reacts to TKO Loss
Following the event at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Renato Moicano expressed shock over the intervention and claimed he never received a prior warning from the referee.
Despite the controversial stand-up that led to Tom Nolan taking the technical knockout victory, Moicano took full accountability for his performance and admitted he produced no damage.
Moicano Will Not Appeal Fight Result
Despite admitting to a terrible performance where he could not break through the submission defense of his opponent, Renato Moicano confirmed he will not appeal the result.
The lightweight fighter chose not to pursue disciplinary action against Dan Miragliotta, opting instead to congratulate Tom Nolan on the successful finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the Renato Moicano and Tom Nolan fight at UFC Halloween?
Veteran referee Dan Miragliotta controversially stood Renato Moicano and Tom Nolan up from the ground while Moicano had back control, leading to a third-round TKO win for Nolan.
What did Dana White say about the controversial stand-up?
Dana White stated that holding a dominant position is not enough, emphasizing that fighters must actively do damage, advance position, and try to finish the fight.
Is Renato Moicano appealing his loss at UFC Halloween?
No, Renato Moicano confirmed he will not appeal the result or pursue disciplinary action against the referee, admitting he failed to do meaningful damage.
Where did the UFC Halloween event take place?
The UFC Halloween event took place on Saturday, October 31, 2026, inside the Meta Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada.
