5 of the worst calls by MMA referees

#2. Erick Silva vs. Carlo Prater

Fighters Only World Mixed Martial Arts Awards 2011 -- Mario Yamasaki

Erick Silva's sophomore outing was about to be more impressive than his 40-second UFC debut victory. It only took him 29-seconds to force Mario Yamasaki to step in and protect his opponent, Carlo Prater.

While everyone in attendance was in awe over how smoothly Silva was able to get the job done, Yamasaki would interfere with the fight entering his win column. Things were taking a little longer than usual as Bruce Buffer was preparing to announce the winner. Joe Rogan entered the octagon as he was expecting to congratulate the Brazilian on another fantastic finish, but this wasn't the case.

Yamasaki thought that multiple hammerfists made direct contact to the back of Prater's head, which is an illegal strike, and disqualified him. Rogan elected to interview Silva anyway; he even brought the referee in to review the footage as it was replayed. Rogan firmly disagreed and congratulated Silva on a great performance, regardless of where it lies on his record.

#1. Ion Cutelaba vs. Magomed Ankalaev 1

UFC 254: Ankalaev v Cutelaba

Here it is, the first TKO victory in the UFC without anything of significance landing. When the highly anticipated match between Magomed Ankalaev and Ion Cutelaba happened, it was over before it started.

It also started before it started, as the ever-so-intense Cutelaba got in the Russian's face during his introduction. This scuffle was quickly broken up and the fight began shortly after. Only lasting 38-seconds, this bout left fans feeling unfulfilled.

'The Hulk' had the objective of baiting Ankalaev into a big shot by playing possum. As it seemed that he bit on this tactic, the referee did too. Ankalaev began spamming headkicks and Cutelaba would theatrically wobble. As a ferocious counter-punch was launched towards Ankalaev, Kevin MacDonald stepped in to stop the fight as he thought that Cutelaba was out on his feet. The immediate protest and replay assured all watching that 'The Hulk' was very much still in the fight, prompting an immediate rematch.