I think one of the refs goals is to not let fighter get serious health problems during the fight. With the situation in Cannonier vs Imavov, Cannonier got like 20 or 25 strikes. Some of them he has defended, some of them have connected, but he hasnt thrown anything in counter. That is why ref could have though that it was a standing knockout and Cannonier was acting only on reflexes.
But that's the thing, Canonnier was in trouble but clearly wasn't acting on reflexes alone, he wasn't throwing many punches because it would be a reckless thing to do, instead he was keeping his guard up and was looking for a clinch.
He actually did throw a right hook, got countered with a left that didn't really land and then the referee stopped it.
Btw, on judges score cards, it was 2-1 on two cards in Cannonier favor and 1-1 by that time. Anyway they have a soil for a rematch now. Imavov and Cannonier are #4 and #5 and have switched places. I dont that Cannonier has lost much from that loss (except money and record). He was not on series of wins. So it would be good if UFC match makers make them meet again.
That loss might not have had much impact on his ranking position, but Jared is 40 years old, if he was hoping for another title shot in his career, he couldn't afford any stepbacks.
Sure, a rematch would make a lot of sense, but it's not really going to be a dream fight for either of them.
