During UFC 330, referee Blake Grice encountered an unforeseen situation while overseeing a middleweight bout on Saturday. An elbow to the head was not in his expectations but became a reality.

Donte Johnson, an undefeated contender, faced veteran striker Eric McConico. Johnson ended the fight quickly, taking just 1 minute and 38 seconds to defeat McConico with a precise left hand to the chin. As McConico hit the mat, Johnson delivered another strike.

Grice intervened to shield McConico from further hits. In doing so, he positioned himself in the path of Johnson’s elbow. Grice’s head became the unintended target as Johnson prepared to unleash another punch.

Footage of a slightly disoriented Grice circulated on social media. Clips showed him moving around the Octagon, shaking off the incident. After the event, Johnson apologized publicly to Grice for the accidental hit.

“I’m 2-0 on the night — who else wants some?”

Johnson humorously remarked before adding, “I’m just kidding. I’m sorry, Mr. ref. I’ll buy you a cheesesteak or something, but I didn’t mean to do that.”

Grice seemed unhurt, which allowed spectators to joke about the incident more freely.

Comments on social media reflected this lighter outlook:

• “Donte Johnson should get 2 KO UFC performance bonuses. One for McConico and the other for that back elbow on referee Blake Grice.”
• “Respect to the ref, got an iron chin. Let’s see the kid in fighting shorts next time.”
• “Bro got 2 knockouts in one night is that a 200k bonus.”
• “Protect yourself at all times, Ref.”