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Big John McCarthy explains absence from UFC officiating since 2017

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 6, 2026, 8:26 AM

Last updated Nov 6, 2026

Big John McCarthy explains absence from UFC officiating since 2017

Summary

Big John McCarthy, a prominent figure in MMA officiating, discussed his absence from UFC events on the Ariel Helwani podcast. He attributed his lack of involvement to his role at Bellator, stating that Dana White expressed displeasure over his decision to work with the rival organization. McCarthy emphasized that the UFC has influence over the selection of officials, confirming that they recommend names of referees they trust. McCarthy, widely respected for his contributions to MMA rules, remains a relevant figure despite not officiating for the UFC since 2017. His insights on referee decisions continue to hold weight in discussions about officiating, especially amid recent controversies in the sport.

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Key Details

•McCarthy officiated UFC fights since UFC 2 but stopped in 2017.
•He now works for Bellator, causing rifts with UFC officials.
•McCarthy confirmed UFC can influence official selections according to comfort levels.
•He authored the original UFC rulebook and aids discussions on officiating controversies.

Latest Updates

8:26 AMYahoo Sports — Big John McCarthy Reveals Why He Does Not Officiate UFC Events Anymore

What they're saying

"
Big John McCarthy is known as the Godfather of MMA officiating, having called fights as early as UFC 2. The veteran referee is also one of the most knowledgeable about MMA rules, having written the original rulebook for the UFC and later helped create the Unified MMA rules way back in 2000 that are still …
— Yahoo Sports

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