I think Fedor did get stunned by that totally unexpected uppercut but recovered. In between the time fedor dropped and recovered Herb Dean decided to join in the mix. When Fedor had turned around and Dan was already attacking again because Dan didn't see Fedor was out it was already too late. Herb Dean was already in the middle and it was too late.
I think it was an unfortunate conglomoration between the timing of Herb Dean and Fedor trying to recover to guard. Because A) The way Fedor dropped would've made any referee step in but B) The way Fedor recovered could've meant he could've gotten back to guard, but we will never no that because Herb Dean was in side-control.
Whether the stoppage was early or not, it certainly is an acceptable stoppage. Fedor did go limp, and that was what made Herb Dean jump in.
Herb Dean didn't have his night. Missing a tapout due to a RNC, not breaking up uneventful clinchwork and a dubious stoppage. Not hating on Herb Dean, I'm just saying if you told me it was Mazaggatti I would've believed you as well.
It is what it is. Fedor is three down and has no bargaining rights in the negotiation for his first Zuffa deal. The ball is in Dana White's corner, and it aint looking too fresh.
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