Audio captured during the live broadcast showed what appeared to be referee Dan Miragliotta trying to get an injured Struve to keep on fighting against Rothwell.
“It was unintentional … but I’m taking a point away no matter what because of the first one,” Miragliotta told Struve as the fighter was recovering from the second low blow (via Simon Head of MMA Junkie). “I’m taking a point away. It’s not two (completed) rounds yet. You’re probably winning both rounds. If you don’t continue, it’s going to be a no contest. Last (through) this second round and see how you do. … You have two and a half minutes left for recovery time.”
Struve was visibly upset after the loss, but if the fighter didn’t continue after the second low blow, it would’ve resulted in the bout being ruled a no contest.
Rothwell says he heard Struve’s corner talking to their fighter after the second low blow and Miragliotta was just echoing what the corner was saying.
“That’s unfortunate to hear the ref had said that, because he’s basically repeating what (Struve’s) cornermen are telling him,” Rothwell said after the event.
There has been no statement from Struve, Miragiotta or the UFC after this time on what went down at UFC Fight Night Washington DC.
