"Somebody going to die" - Fans react as Mario Yamasaki returns to refereeing at PFL Playoffs

Mario Yamasaki has just made a triumphant return to high-profile refereeing at the PFL Playoffs. He officiated the featherweight clash between Brendan Loughlane and Kai Kamaka, the Shamil Musaev vs. Murad Ramazanov welterweight matchup, and the Jose Perez vs. Jesse Stirn featherweight bout.

His appearance came after a lengthy absence, and the PFL was quick to capitalize on the controversial referee's notoriety by advertising his return on social media. For his part, Yamasaki looked no different besides sporting a new pair of glasses, apparel that he did not previously wear.

Check out Mario Yamasaki's return:

None, however, were more astonished, whether for good or bad, than the MMA fandom, with many flocking to the thread under the PFL's tweet of his return. One fan exaggeratedly expressed fear for fighter safety due to Yamasaki's reputation for bloodlust.

"Somebody going to die"

Another fan, though, proclaimed Yamasaki to be an all-time great referee. Whether his words were genuine or sarcastic is known only to him.

"Top 3 ref of all time"

Others joked that fighters fear Yamasaki more than their own opponents due to his penchant for allowing fighters to take unnecessary punishment.

"Fighters are more scared of this man than they are of their opponent"

Some jokingly hoped that Yamasaki has grown out of his habit of allowing defenseless fighters to take unnecessary punishment.

"I have faith he has learned from his murderous ways"

A collage of fan reactions can be seen below:

Fan reactions to Mario Yamasaki's return

Referees are often criticized for their conduct inside the octagon, with the likes of Marc Goddard often being told he stops fights too soon. Meanwhile, Herb Dean, another veteran, is said to flip-flop between stopping fights too early or stopping them too late.

Yamasaki, however, is in a league of his own, with his conduct having even infuriated UFC CEO Dana White.

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Mario Yamasaki has a controversial refereeing history

Mario Yamasaki has been an MMA referee for a significant stretch of time. However, his brushes with controversy began at UFC 142, when he disqualified Erick Silva for what he mistook for illegal blows to the back of the head of the latter's opponent.

His decision generated criticism, but it would be his future decision to opt out of sparing Priscila Cachoeira of unnecessary damage in a bout with Valentina Shevchenko. The fight was as one-sided as can be, with 'Bullet' outlanding Cachoeira 230-3.

Yet, Yamasaki did not stop the bout, claiming he was offering Cachoeira a chance to be a warrior. For this, he was banned from the UFC by Dana White.