The UFC does not have to import refs for their Japan events given that homegrown Japanese refs are very experienced. Makes sense right? Unless of course Zuffa knows what we all suspect that those earpiece-wearing refs were illegitimate.
Goes to show how Pride/JMMA is fishy as fuck.
Earth shattering info 
They were illegitimate refs? Like the refereeing schools they went to weren't accredited by the state?
the fact that many probably don't speak english might play a role.
I realize Yuji Shimata is a staple of big Japanese MMA events.
He's a shitty ref bottom line.
They used to, but the refs kept giving yellow cards everytime fighters got stalled against the fence so they had to stop.
It was worse in DREAM.
Yuji Shimada is a better ref than the majority of the shit refs ufc use and he also has a license to ref in Nevada as do some other ex pride refs. 
Corn Nuts - The UFC does not have to import refs for their Japan events given that homegrown Japanese refs are very experienced. Makes sense right? Unless of course Zuffa knows what we all suspect that those earpiece-wearing refs were illegitimate.
Goes to show how Pride/JMMA is fishy as fuck.
Maybe Bas should do commentary when they go to Japan too. I don't understand why they wouldn't use UFC refs no matter where they go.