- Even the most seasoned referees can have off nights, leading to moments that leave fans and fighters alike scratching their heads.
- One such incident occurred at Invicta FC 61, where a referee’s oversight led to a fighter tapping out twice in the same sequence.
- This blunder has reignited discussions about the critical importance of referee vigilance in MMA.
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“That was a tap,”
– Invicta commentator
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The Standing Anaconda Choke That Everyone (But The Ref) Saw
At Invicta FC 61, held on April 4, 2025, at the Grand Casino Hotel & Resort in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Taynara Silva faced Claire Lopez in an atomweight bout that concluded with Silva securing a first-round submission victory via guillotine choke at 3:17.
Taynara Silva, hailing from Brazil, made her debut in the atomweight division during this event. Prior to this fight, Silva had a professional record of 7-5, showcasing her experience and resilience in the cage.
Claire Lopez, entered the bout with a professional record of 8-6. Lopez has been recognized for her striking abilities and determination, making her a formidable opponent in the atomweight division.
The bout began with both fighters exchanging strikes, each looking to establish dominance. Midway through the first round, Silva capitalized on an opening and executed a standing anaconda choke. Lopez attempted to defend against the submission, but Silva’s technique proved decisive, so Lopez tapped, but the ref didn’t catch it.
Tayanara’s choke was so strong, that she lifted Claire in the air from the front, eventually leading leading to Lopez’s second, and officially recognized tap at the 3:17 mark, after she held on to that unorthodox choke.
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“My goodness that is incredible,” another announcer remarked. “This is an interesting situation. Claire Lopez clearly taps…definitely doesn’t catch it.”
– Invicta commentator
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This victory marked a significant moment for Silva, highlighting her successful transition to the atomweight division. The Silva vs. Lopez fight was part of a card headlined by the atomweight title bout between Elisandra “Lili” Ferreira and Ana Palacios.
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When Referees Drop the Ball: Notable Missed Taps in MMA History
The incident at Invicta FC 61 is not an isolated case; MMA history has witnessed several instances where referees have overlooked fighters’ submission signals, leading to controversy and concern.
Paul Felder vs. Charles Oliveira
In a bout between Paul Felder and Charles Oliveira, Oliveira found himself on the receiving end of vicious ground and pound. Amidst the onslaught, Oliveira attempted to tap out, but the MMA ref did not acknowledge it immediately, resulting in unnecessary additional punishment before the fight was stopped.
Sven Groten Incident
At a grappling event in the Netherlands, Sven Groten was caught in a triangle-armbar submission. Despite tapping out, the referee failed to intervene, leading to Groten being choked unconscious and suffering a dislocated arm.
This alarming oversight highlighted the dire consequences of missed submissions.
Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock
During the highly anticipated bout between Kimbo Slice and Ken Shamrock, Shamrock secured a rear-naked choke that appeared to have Slice in deep trouble.
Slice made motions that some interpreted as taps, but referee John McCarthy did not stop the fight, believing there was no definitive submission signal. Slice eventually escaped and secured a knockout victory, but the incident sparked debates about what constitutes a clear tap.
Seth Baczynski vs. Tim McKenzie
In a bout between Seth Baczynski and Tim McKenzie, Baczynski tapped due to an armbar, which also resulted in a broken arm.
The referee missed the tap, and as McKenzie released the hold, believing the fight was over, Baczynski continued to fight and ultimately secured a knockout victory. This incident sparked debates about sportsmanship and the importance of referee attentiveness.
The Human Element in MMA Officiating
In the high-octane world of mixed martial arts, the referee’s role is paramount, acting as the guardian of fighter safety and the integrity of the sport. However, even the most vigilant officials can sometimes miss critical moments, leading to unintended consequences.
Referees in MMA bear the immense responsibility of ensuring fighter safety while allowing the contest to unfold naturally. The incidents at Invicta FC 61 and others serve as stark reminders of the challenges inherent in officiating.
While human error is an unavoidable aspect of any sport, continuous efforts in referee training, the implementation of instant replay, and clear communication protocols are essential steps toward minimizing such errors.
A Wake-Up Call for MMA Referees
The unusual incident at Invicta FC 61—where Claire Lopez was forced to tap out not once, but twice due to a missed call—has sparked a fresh debate about referee responsibilities inside the cage.
While Taynara Silva showcased impressive skill in securing a swift guillotine choke victory, the referee’s oversight briefly overshadowed her accomplishment. This scenario isn’t unique; missed submissions have occurred before, reminding fans, officials, and fighters alike of the crucial importance of sharp officiating.
As MMA continues to rise, let this moment serve as a compelling reminder that even the smallest oversight can carry significant consequences.
The Referee Fights a Spectator Who Burst Into The Cage to Interfere In The Man vs. Woman MMA Fight
