Who Is Herb Dean? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on September 30, 1970, Herb Dean is currently 54 years old in 2025. His journey in the world of sports began with a background in wrestling, which naturally evolved into a career in refereeing. Dean's extensive experience in martial arts started in the late 1990s, contributing significantly to various promotions, including the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Over the years, he has gained acclaim for his ability to ensure the safety of fighters while maintaining the integrity of the sport.
| Occupation | Martial Artist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 30, 1970 |
| Age | 55 Years |
| Birth Place | Pasadena, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Herb Dean's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Herb Dean stands at an impressive height of 6 feet (183 cm) and maintains a healthy weight of around 180 lbs (82 kg). While specific body measurements aren’t widely publicized, Dean’s athletic physique reflects his dedication to fitness and his continued involvement in physical training as part of his role in officiating MMA fights.
At UFC 48, held on June 19, 2004, Dean refereed a bout between Tim Sylvia and Frank Mir for the vacant UFC Heavyweight Championship. At 0:50 (50 seconds) of round one, Dean called a stop to the fight when he saw Sylvia's right forearm break due to an armbar.
Due to the close proximity of a UFC cameraman, in the video footage a shocked Dean can be heard shouting "Oh, shit!" when he saw the break, and he immediately moved in to stop the fight.
This proved difficult, because Sylvia, who was still trying to defend the armbar, argued with him for several seconds, despite Dean's telling him "Stop, stop, stop! The fight is over!" Once freed from the armbar, Sylvia again began to argue with Dean, who continually told him, "It's fucking broken!
Your arm is broken." Sylvia protested, claiming his arm was perfectly fine and even moving it around with no apparent problems. Dean, however, insisted that "I heard it snap. I saw it go." Ringside physician Dr. Margaret Goodman agreed with Dean's assessment, and the fight was not restarted.
In the post-fight interview, Sylvia again denied that his arm was broken, however the slow-motion replay showed the break happening, and an X-ray that evening showed significant damage to Sylvia's arm, which required surgery and a long recovery.
Sylvia later admitted that he knew his arm was broken and wanted to keep fighting in spite of that, but he thanked Dean for saving his career by ending the fight when he did.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Herb Dean is reportedly single. While details about his personal life are often kept private, Dean has shared glimpses of his family background throughout his career. He values his relationships with his family and friends, often expressing gratitude for their support in his journey as a referee. However, there is little public information regarding his dating life or current relationships.
Net Worth and Salary
Herb Dean's net worth is estimated to be around $3 million as of 2025. His earnings primarily stem from his role as an MMA referee, but he has also earned income through various endorsements and appearances related to his profession. Referees in major promotions like the UFC can earn substantial salaries per event, which, combined with his extensive experience, contributes to his impressive financial standing.
Career, Business, and Investments
Herb Dean's career has been marked by his dedication to the sport of MMA. He is widely recognized for his attentive and fair officiating in high-stakes fights, making him a sought-after referee in the UFC and other major promotions. Beyond officiating, Dean has invested in various business ventures, including training academies aimed at educating aspiring referees and fostering the next generation of MMA professionals. His expertise also extends to providing commentary and analysis for fight promotions, further solidifying his presence in the industry.
At UFC 70, held on April 21, 2007, Dean was the referee during the bout between Mirko Cro Cop and Gabriel Gonzaga. Late in the first round, Dean stood the fight up from the guard position, a measure typically used against inactivity.
Some fight analysts claim that Gonzaga was in fact administering ground and pound and had just maneuvered his opponent against the cage for an additional advantage. Shortly after the stand up, Gonzaga knocked out Filipović with a kick to the head.
Filipović collapsed awkwardly after receiving the blow, pinning his right foot, which was rotated 180 degrees backwards, underneath his body. Dean quickly freed the pinned foot which helped prevent serious injury.
Filipović has stated since that the elbows on the ground confused and damaged him enough that he was disoriented after the stand up, contributing to the subsequent knockout.
Social Network
Herb Dean maintains a presence on social media, where he engages with fans and provides insights into his career and the sport. His Instagram and Twitter accounts are platforms where he shares updates about fights, training practices, and personal reflections. His transparent interaction with fans demonstrates his commitment to the MMA community.
At UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Oleinik, Dean was heavily criticized for a late stoppage during his refereeing of a fight between Khalid Murtazaliev and C. B. Dollaway. Many fans took to Twitter afterwards, with near universal criticism towards the stoppage, comparing it to a recent late stoppage by fellow referee Mario Yamasaki.
Education
While specific details about Herb Dean's education are not extensively documented, his understanding of martial arts likely stems from his practical experiences rather than formal education in officiating. His involvement in wrestling during his formative years provided him with a solid foundation that he later built upon in MMA, ensuring he remains equipped with the necessary knowledge for his role as a referee.
In conclusion, Herb Dean remains an integral figure in the MMA world as of 2025. His age and experience contribute to his reputation, while his financial success and personal life highlight a diverse career. As he continues to shape the future of mixed martial arts, fans and aspiring fighters alike will look up to him for inspiration and guidance.
