Referee’s Late Stoppage at LFA 56 Raises Concerns

Referee Joe Fipp, an official for 10 years, is being slammed for his reluctance to step in between Austin Hubbard (10-2) and Killys Mota (9-2) on Friday night in the main event of Legacy Fighting Alliance 56.

The lightweight matchup had gained serious attention before the weekend as the winner could soon find themselves in the UFC. Founded just last year, LFA has become a direct pipeline to the Octagon.

But after Hubbard stopped Mota in the fifth round, it was the health of the defeated fighter that was making headlines.

In a tweet from AXS TV, Hubbard can be seen repeatedly laying punches into his fettled opponent. Even those in attendance became disturbed watching the prolonged attack. Audible booing began to stir in the arena, and the commentary team also could be heard begging Fipp to step in.

See for yourself: