Criticizing MMA official Keith Peterson might be one of former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz’s favorite things to do.
Since Peterson called a stop to Cruz’s title fight at UFC 249 against Henry Cejudo in the second round, it’s been nothing but critical words from the former champ about the referee’s work. Cruz (24-4 MMA, 7-3 UFC) protested the stoppage and requested that Peterson not work his fights in the future.
Just mentioning Peterson, nicknamed “No Nonsense” by UFC commentator Jon Anik, is enough to get Cruz riled up.
On an episode of “Good Guy / Bad Guy” with Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen, Cruz played a name association game. His responses were to be the first words that came to mind. Cormier prompted Peterson’s name, which caused Cruz’s eyes to light up.
“All nonsense,” Cruz said. “… We know the truth. That guy – he would have a losing record as a ref.
“If we went and we had to critique each ref’s performance the way we get critiqued, that guy would have been fired months ago. Months. He’s been late, too early to stoppages – like, what are you watching? I don’t know. All nonsense.”
Not only did Cruz request Peterson to not referee any of his fights in the future, the former champ accused the official of smelling like alcohol and cigarettes while working at UFC 249. In his role as a UFC commentator, Cruz has also been critical of Peterson’s work on a number of occasions.
“There needs to be some sort of filter for refs and stuff, you know?” Cruz said. “They just don’t have it. We got it in the UFC (as fighters), why don’t they have it? Why can’t we see the best refs through proof?”
Cruz returns to action at UFC Fight Night 252 on Feb. 22 to take on Rob Font at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle for what he says will be the final fight of his career.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 252.
