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In a dramatic turn of events at UFC Austin's co-main event, Jalin Turner's impressive early stoppage victory over Bobby Green was clouded by controversy as referee Kerry Hatley allowed the punishment to linger far beyond reasonable limits.
The disputed stoppage unfolded at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, at 2:49 of Round 1, leaving a sour note despite Turner's dominant performance.
Turner, seizing the opportunity on short notice, swiftly wobbled Green with a powerful overhand right. The subsequent onslaught saw Green crumble to the canvas, turning belly down as Turner unleashed a relentless barrage of 19 consecutive, unanswered punches. Astonishingly, the referee's intervention came only after Green had been rendered visibly unconscious by the 17th strike, with two more forceful blows finally prompting a reaction.
The questionable stoppage triggered widespread criticism within the MMA community, with commentary from Brendan Fitzgerald, Daniel Cormier, and Michael Bisping reflecting the collective dismay at the prolonged beating endured by Green.
While Turner celebrated a victory that snapped a two-fight skid, the controversy surrounding the stoppage stole some of the spotlight. Notably, Green, who was initially slated to face Dan Hooker in a five-round bout, suffered a two-fight winning streak setback due to the untimely end of the contest.
As Green rose to his feet under his power, the visible effects of the absorbed damage raised concerns about fighter safety. The aftermath of this co-main event is sure to reignite discussions about the importance of timely and accurate officiating in the sport, leaving fans and fighters alike with mixed emotions about the outcome at UFC Austin.