UFC Legend Michael Bisping Breaks Silence On Controversial Tom Nolan-Renato Moicano Stoppage

Michael Bisping adds fuel to Renato Moicano debate.© NDTV Photo Library

Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has criticised referee Dan Miragliotta's controversial stand-up in the UFC Vegas 123 main event. He said the veteran official “f***ed up” despite being a respected figure in the sport. Miragliotta separated Tom Nolan and Renato Moicano while Moicano held back control with a body triangle in Round 2. Nolan hurt Moicano soon after the reset and went on to win by third-round TKO at 1:28. The Australian improved to 12-1 and extended his winning streak to six.

He's a great ref, loves the sport and the fighters, but he fucked up. I'm sure he knows that in hindsight.

— michael (@bisping) November 3, 2026

Bisping backs referee but slams his fight-night decision

Michael Bisping responded to a fan on X, praising Dan Miragliotta's experience and commitment to the fighters before condemning the decision. “He's a great ref, loves the sport and the fighters, but he f**ked up,” he wrote.

Bisping comments came after Moicano said crowd booing may have influenced Miragliotta. The Brazilian said he was surprised by the stand-up and did not recall receiving a warning before the reset.

Moicano has ruled out an appeal to the Nevada Athletic Commission. He blamed himself for failing to finish Nolan, despite calling the referee's decision frustrating.

DC, Rogan and Florian unite against controversial UFC referee decision

Daniel Cormier described the stand-up as one of the biggest officiating errors he had seen. He said no referee should take a fighter out of mount or remove someone from back control because those positions are too dominant.

Joe Rogan also criticised the call, telling Daniel Cormier in a message that “It's not a sport if refs can do that.' I'm not sure much else needs to be said."

Former UFC analyst Kenny Florian said a referee's role is to enforce the rules, not manufacture entertainment. He argued that punishing a fighter for establishing a dominant position undermines effective MMA.

Tom Nolan breaks silence on referee drama

Tom Nolan rejected suggestions that the stand-up alone decided the fight. He said Moicano took him down again after the reset and that he eventually turned the position over and finished the contest.

The Australian also clarified that he was speaking to Miragliotta about alleged illegal strikes to the back of his head, not asking for a stand-up. “I was in the middle of a fight. I just did what I was told,” Nolan said.

Moicano fell to 21-8-1 and remains ranked No. 14 at lightweight, while Nolan moved up to No. 7 in the UFC's official rankings.