Comments on: Yves Lavigne regrets his mistake during Sell-Brown fight at UFC 96

By: Joesake

Joesake — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:18:06 +0000

Pete Sell always seems to be involved in these fights where the reffing gets f’d up. In his 2nd fight with Nate Quarry it was almost the same thing. Quarry knocked him down with a hard right and Mario Yamasaski started to step in, actually bumping into Quarry in the process, but then let it go. Quarry landed another huge right hand while standing over Sell and then it was finally stopped.

As far as Lavigne, I can’t remember him making any other big goofs and for the most part he seems like a good ref. Of course we all make mistakes and he’s man enough to own up to this one.

By: J-rock

J-rock — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:32:09 +0000

This was a bit of a bizarre twist in the beginning of the fight but overall it wasn’t a huge deal. Yves is definitely one of the best refs out there and I’ve seen way worse calls. Nice to know he isn’t making excuses, takes balls.

By: pr0cs

pr0cs — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:30:48 +0000

I still think Lavigne is one of the best MMA refs, I think he got caught up in the earlier fight (Riley stoppage) and questioned his own judgement which was his mistake.
I’ve seen him make a lot of other good calls that really changed the outcome of the fight for the better.
Nog vs Herring @ 73
Davis vs Taylor @ 75

Reffing has to be a terribly difficult job. If you do it well no one even knows you’re there. If you make a mistake everyone knows your name.

By: orlis

orlis — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:58:52 +0000

Props to Yves - he’s a standup guy, honest and humble. Not to mention a great ref. So he’s human and messed up - it happens. He shouldn’t be punished for it for the rest of his life.

I think how he said “I feel really bad. Fighters deserve the best. Instead of talking about Mr. Browns great win people are talking about a ref…” he was right on. The mma community needs to move on and start talking about Matt Brown’s incredible skills and determination.

Thanks for this article and showing us Yves’ side - nice to hear!

By: drew

drew — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 05:56:54 +0000

it takes a bigger man to admit when he made a mistake. your a class act yve.

By: lolars

lolars — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:09:29 +0000

Yes, ref is the hardest job in the entire ufc. too soon people complain, too fast people complain, just right people don’t even say thanks…..

worst job ever.

By: Johnny Farnham

Johnny Farnham — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:38:35 +0000

I like Yves Lavigne. He’s straight-forward and is usually a good ref. This little peccadillo will just make him better.

By: Mozz

Mozz — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 21:53:41 +0000

Kudos to Yves, for stepping up like a man and taking charge for his mistake. We all make them. He’s a stand-up guy, and one of the better refs out there. And plus, his instructions to the fighters during the stare-downs are always enjoyable. Much respect.