In a disturbing scene that has sparked intense debate across the mixed martial arts world, UFC fighter Steven Nguyen broke a longstanding record during a brutal and controversial bout on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.

Nguyen knocked Mohammad Yahya down six times before the fight was stopped due to visible and likely disfiguring injuries, leading fans to blame the referee for acting too late in a historic and harrowing UFC match, as the Daily Mail reports.

The fight took place at the Etihad Arena on July 26 during the preliminary card of UFC Abu Dhabi. American fighter Nguyen, who earned his contract through Dana White’s Contender Series, faced off against local UAE favorite Yahya. From the opening bell, Nguyen imposed his striking dominance on Yahya, immediately putting the hometown fighter in survival mode.

Yahya was knocked down repeatedly in the first round -- six times in total -- which set a new UFC record for the most knockdowns in one fight. The previous record was five, achieved by Jeremy Stephens in 2017 and Forrest Petz in 2006. Despite the onslaught, Yahya got up after each knockdown, continuing to fight in front of a stunned home audience.

By the end of the opening round, Yahya was struggling. Blood streamed from multiple cuts on his face, and a severe swelling -- diagnosed later as a hematoma -- formed above his left eye, completely shutting it. Medical staff had to assist him back to his stool between rounds, a rare sight in the octagon.

Referee’s judgment called into question

The bout was halted in the second round by a doctor’s stoppage, officially instated by referee Jason Herzog. The decision came only after more punishment was absorbed by Yahya, causing parts of the MMA community to accuse Herzog of allowing the fight to go on too long. The delay in intervention has fueled outrage on social media, with some calling for Herzog to be disciplined -- or even fired.

One particularly outraged fan wrote, “Herzog needs to be fired, that’s not a beating, that’s a life-changing injury,” while another questioned, “Damn did the ref bet decision or something this is crazy.”

A widely circulated post included a GIF of fictional Rocky Balboa foe Ivan Drago saying, “If he dies, he dies,” captioned, “Jason Herzog watching Steven Nguyen drop Yahya 6 times.”

Nguyen, speaking after the win, expressed determination and excitement about his first UFC victory. “I've been working so hard for this moment,” he said. “The fight's not over until it's over. I came into UFC 0-1, and I came back, and I wanted that finish. Here we are now.”

Nguyen’s performance overshadowed by brutality

Despite the controversy, Nguyen’s striking performance made an undeniable impact on the record books. His precision and power overwhelmed Yahya, whose resilience could not ultimately protect him from serious harm. This win marked Nguyen’s first victory inside the UFC after a loss in his 2024 promotional debut.

In a twist during the chaotic fight, Yahya managed to land a knockdown of his own, proving his skill and heart even while absorbing immense punishment. However, that brief moment was not enough to shift the fight’s momentum or spare him from injury.

The atmosphere inside Etihad Arena shifted from excitement to concern as Yahya’s condition visibly worsened. The home crowd witnessed a match that, for many, crossed the line into unnecessary risk, further fueling discussions on fighter safety and officiating responsibility.

Lessons to learn

1. Medical protocols must take precedence. No bout, however anticipated, should continue when a fighter is unable to defend themselves adequately. While toughness is part of the sport, long-term health should come first.

2. Referee training should evolve with the sport. As UFC fighters continue to train at increasingly elite levels, referees must be fully prepared to make split-second decisions that prioritize participant safety over spectacle or tradition.

3. Don’t blame injured fighters for taking punishment. Although Yahya kept rising after each knockdown, it's essential to remember that the responsibility to halt the fight lies with medical staff and the referee—not the injured athlete. No matter how prepared or skilled an athlete may be, injuries can happen, and fans must avoid victim-blaming.

Why this story matters

This story highlights the razor-thin boundary between competition and endangerment in high-stakes sports such as MMA.

Public criticism of officiating decisions underscores the growing demand for accountability and reform.

It serves as a wake-up call for the UFC to reevaluate safety protocols to protect its fighters more effectively.