While his victory over Jon Fitch at World Series of Fighting 3 this past weekend, Josh Burkman is clearly back and better than ever.

“The People’s Warrior” put Fitch to sleep in just 41 seconds with a masterful guillotine choke, an incredible feat considering Fitch’s grappling pedigree. 

The win marked his fifth in a row, with four stoppages, and has also had his hand raised in eight of his past nine bouts.

Unfortunately for Burkman, the victory has been overshadowed by the fact that referee Steve Mazzagatti was late to stop the fight, earning him a public call out from UFC President Dana White.

Appearing on Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour Monday afternoon, The Pit Elevated Fight Team competitor said he felt White’s criticism of Mazzagatti, calling him “dangerous” and asking for the Nevada State Athletic Commission to stop giving him high-profile venues, was a bit much.

"I think it’s a little harsh," he said. "I think that part of it is justified. I think he could have been down there in a better position, but I think Mazzagatti maybe felt the flow of the energy in the fight. He knew I was going to take care of it, lay him down nicely and get out of the way."

Burkman was able to put Fitch unconscious when he had the guillotine locked up from his half guard, a task most fighters consider borderline impossible. He then rolled Fitch over and let go of the hold, completing a very rare walk-off submission.

He explained the unique situation from his perspective and why he doesn’t think Mazzagatti did much wrong.

"I think I probably surprised Mazzagatti," he said. "I knew when I went to the ground that I had the choke. And I knew it was really tight. So when we went down to the ground, I knew Fitch went out.”

“I tightened it real fast just to make sure. I've got a lot of respect for Jon Fitch and just who he is. I didn't feel like there was any need in holding that choke or trying to prove anything else. I knew the fight was over.”

The headlining bout between the two was actually a rematch from 2006, where Fitch submitted Burkman with a rear-naked choke. The bout took place under the UFC banner.

While many are calling for Burkman to return to the Octagon based on his current streak, he told Helwani he signed a four-fight extension with WSOF prior to the Fitch rematch and he plans to honor the contract.

Is Burkman’s defense of Mazzagatti reasonable or was the bad judgment call by the often-criticized referee simply inexcusable here?