Herb Dean

Herb Dean is a highly respected mixed martial arts referee and former professional fighter, known for his consistent officiating across major promotions. After officiating the pivotal Heavyweight Championship bout between Frank Mir and Tim Sylvia at UFC 48 in 2004, Herb Dean rapidly established himself as one of the most respected officials in mixed martial arts. Dean’s unique insight into the sport was forged during his own professional mixed martial arts career, competing from 2001 to 2007. During this period, he compiled a record of 2 wins and 3 losses across promotions such as King of the Cage (KOTC) and Spirit MC, facing notable opponents including Joe Riggs and Dave Legeno.

These accolades underscore his enduring excellence and his role in upholding the integrity of the sport for over two decades. Beyond his in-cage duties, Dean actively contributes to the advancement of mixed martial arts officiating by providing comprehensive training to aspiring MMA judges and referees. This dedication ensures the propagation of best practices and high standards, further cementing his status as a benchmark for professional officiating within the global combat sports arena. His continued presence at top-tier events for organizations like UFC and ONE Championship confirms his position as an indispensable and highly trusted authority in the sport.