UFC referee Blake Grice experienced an unusual moment at UFC 330 on Saturday. During a middleweight bout between Donte Johnson and Eric McConico, Grice was struck by an elbow intended for McConico.
The fight ended quickly. Johnson defeated McConico in 1 minute and 38 seconds with a precise straight left to the chin. As McConico hit the mat, Johnson attempted another attack. Grice intervened to protect McConico, but Johnson’s left elbow hit Grice as he moved to stop the fight.
Videos shared on social media showed Grice visibly shaken but still managing to walk around the Octagon afterward. During a media session, Johnson apologized, saying, “I’m 2-0 on the night — who else wants some?” He then added, “I’m sorry Mr. ref. I’ll buy you a cheesesteak or something, but I didn’t mean to do that.”
Fortunately, Grice did not suffer serious injury. Social media users found humor in the incident, generating various memes and jokes. Comments ranged from suggestions that Johnson should receive additional performance bonuses to remarks on the referee’s resilience. One fan wrote, “Donte Johnson should get 2 KO UFC performance bonuses. One for McConico and the other for that back elbow on referee Blake Grice.”
Another fan remarked on Grice’s toughness, saying, “Respect to the ref, got an iron chin. Let’s see the kid in fighting shorts next time.” Others joked about the possibility of multiple bonuses for Johnson, with quips like “Bro got 2 knockouts in one night is that a 200k bonus,” and advice for Grice to “Protect yourself at all times, Ref.”
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