A few fans are not happy with how referee Marc Goddard handled things on June 14 during the Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje lightweight title unification clash.

For context, after taking severe punishment from Gaethje for three rounds at UFC Freedom 250, Ilia told his brother, Aleksandre, he could barely see due to the swelling around his eyes. The ringside doctor was then called in to assess “El Matador.”

The one-minute break in between rounds was already over, and it was time for the fourth stanza. However, Goddard decided to call a timeout so that the doctor could determine if the Georgian-Spaniard should continue fighting. The doctor asked Topuria to track his finger with his eyes, after which the former informed the ref that Ilia must not continue fighting.

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 14: Ilia Topuria of Spain speaks with the doctor in the Octagon against Justin Gaethje in the UFC lightweight championship fight during the UFC Freedom 250 event on the South Lawn at the White House on June 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

However, Ilia wanted to fight on. That is when Goddard decided to take charge and not waste any time. Before resuming the bout, he told the 29-year-old:

“I’m happy to let this go. Ilia, put yourself back in the fight, okay?”

Check out Marc Goddard’s comments below:

Ilia’s decision to fight another round backfired as he took further beating, and after Round 4, his brother decided to stop the bout.

After the title loss, fans came to know that Ilia sustained a broken nose, fractures to both orbital bones, and a shattered foot on June 14.

Why fans are not pleased with referee Marc Goddard With How He handled Matters during Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje

Earlier today, the UFC released a no-commentary video offering fans a glimpse of the entire incident. And now, some fans are unhappy with Marc Goddard for allowing the now-former two- division champ to fight another round and take further damage.

MMA Joey posted on X:

“Marc Goddard should be thrown in prison for this. Topuria says he can’t see at all, the doctor calls the fight off & Goddard yells at him. Instead, Goddard blatantly disregards the doctor & Topuria’s brother & says I’m happy to let this go. All bc it was at the White House.”

Another netizen with similar sentiments added:

“Goddard is the best we have rn, but HOLY SH*T did he fu*ked up here. Big time”

A few other fans with similar complaints added:

“What’s the point of the doctor then? I didn’t think the ref who earns 5 times less then a DR would understand why the DR is the voice of reason but they need to do as they say.”

“Doctor literally said no twice very, very clearly lol. Literally no point in having a doctor check the fighter out.”

“I’ve never seen the ref go against the doctor’s recommendation.”

“That ref should be suspended. Who cares what the fighter says, you need to go with what the doctor is saying.”

“A fighter tells the referee he can barely see and the ruling is more fighting. The officiating confidence at this card is honestly impressive.”

“Also how the hell is the ref continuing that fight when the translater and the doctor is telling him he can’t see in one eye. Marc Goddard bottled it. Worst ref ever. Hopefully he doesn’t ref movsar vs volk. Anyone else is fine.”

Check out the comments below: