UFC, Dana White apologize for judge removal in Macau

The UFC has apologized for breaching its own protocol when President Dana White removed a judge from its show in Macau last weekend.

White removed judge Howard Hughes from the five-judge rotation after two fights when he became angry with Hughes' first two scorecards.

The mixed martial arts promotion released a statement Tuesday confirming White's move was "a breach of its independent regulatory protocol."

The UFC's domestic fight cards are regulated by local governing bodies, but the organization is forced to act as its own regulatory agency in cities without an athletic commission or similar agency. The UFC hired its own judges and referees and conducted drug tests in Macau.

The UFC and White apologized to Hughes. The judge was in the majority in every round he scored.