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Luke Riley Scores First-Round TKO at UFC 329 After Contested Stoppage

The finish has renewed scrutiny of when referees should stop fights and could affect how officials are evaluated.

Photo: UFC on Paramount+ via X
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Overview

  • Luke Riley stopped Kai Kamaka III by TKO after a right hand and follow-up strikes, with the referee stepping in at 3:03 of Round 1 to end the bout.
  • The stoppage drew sharp on-air criticism from commentator Joe Rogan and quick reaction from UFC fighters who said the referee acted too soon.
  • Replays show Kamaka was rocked, rose to his feet, and absorbed more strikes against the fence before referee Kerry Hatley waved the fight off on Saturday.
  • Riley defended the call in post-fight comments saying the referee “saved” Kamaka and that a finish was imminent, and the official result stands with Riley improving his undefeated record.
  • The episode highlights the recurring tension in MMA between fighter safety and giving hurt competitors time to recover and could prompt closer review of stoppage standards and referee oversight.