Tag: Marc Goddard

‘It’s Ungodly’ – Joe Rogan Shares Marc Goddard’s Startling Comment on Alex Pereira’s Devastating Power

Joe Rogan, Alex PereiraLongtime MMA referee Marc Goddard made a series of chilling remarks about Alex Pereira during a brief interaction with…

Joe Rogan, Alex Pereira

Longtime MMA referee Marc Goddard made a series of chilling remarks about Alex Pereira during a brief interaction with Joe Rogan after UFC 307.

Pereira defeated Khalil Rountree Jr. by fourth-round TKO to retain the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 307. After a back-and-forth first three rounds of action, Pereira poured it on at the start of the championship rounds and systematically broke down his opponent with his striking.

Rogan and Goddard have been two staples of mixed martial arts during the sport’s rapid ascension. While both of them have seen almost every type of fighting style inside the Octagon, Pereira’s UFC run is unprecedented.

So unprecedented that Goddard puts Pereira’s power in a class of its own, as he discussed with Rogan just before the official UFC 307 result was announced.

Joe Rogan Reveals Chilling Conversation About Alex Pereira’s Power

Near the end of the UFC 307 broadcast, Rogan shared his post-fight conversation with Goddard.

“I was in the octagon after the fight and Marc Goddard came up to me and he said, ‘I’ve been doing this for 20 years. The way he hits people, the sound, is like nothing I’ve ever heard before.’ He said, ‘It’s ungodly.’” Rogan said. “That’s what he kept saying, he said, ‘It’s ungodly.’” (h/t SportsKeeda)

Pereira set the promotional record for the fewest UFC bouts to win multiple world titles. After finishing Rountree at UFC 307, Pereira has successfully defended the light heavyweight title three times in seven months.

Goddard officiated some of the most notable bouts in UFC history, including Pereira’s first UFC title win at UFC 281. During his extensive fighting and officiating career, one fighter’s power stands alone for Goddard.

Marc Goddard Offers Masterclass On How Takedowns Are Scored In MMA Fights

Marc Goddard recently provided an in-depth explanation of how takedowns are evaluated in MMA fights. The value of takedowns in the estimation of MMA judges remains a very polarizing and complex issue, especially considering that judging is one of the most crucial elements of the sport. The MMA community often finds itself at odds over […]

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Marc Goddard recently provided an in-depth explanation of how takedowns are evaluated in MMA fights.

The value of takedowns in the estimation of MMA judges remains a very polarizing and complex issue, especially considering that judging is one of the most crucial elements of the sport.

The MMA community often finds itself at odds over the criteria used for scoring takedowns, especially in grappling-heavy contests, leading to contentious and often unsatisfactory results in high-stakes matches.

With over 20 years of experience, Goddard has solidified his status as one of the most venerable referees in MMA, having officiated numerous marquee matchups in the UFC and other top promotions. Considering his extensive background, it’s evident that the 50-year-old official has a nuanced understanding of the ins and outs of the game.

Goddard Outlines How MMA Judges Focus On Inflicted Damage When Scoring Fights

During a recent interview with talkSPORT MMA, Goddard was prompted to elaborate on the influence of takedowns on judges’ scoring in an MMA bout. The renowned referee pointed out the absurdity of the belief that simply scoring a takedown and finishing a round on top guarantees a fighter wins that round. He emphasized that not all takedowns carry the same weight and that judges perceive them differently.

“People think that if you finish the round on top or you take someone down that you’ve won the round; it’s so absurd,” Goddard said. “Not all takedowns are the same, obviously, as not all punches and not all kicks are the same. So if I take you down, if I just run into you and bundle you to the ground and I land in a closed guard or a half guard, yes, it’s an offensive action; yes, it can be given some credit, but it bears absolutely no significance compared to somebody who, like I said, comes back to the effectiveness, the damage, and the impact.”

Goddard elaborated that in a fight, judges hone in on the damage a fighter inflicts on their opponent, viewing it as the primary metric for scoring while everything else merely serves as a supporting detail – even in the context of a takedown.

Meaning, the type of takedown is considered by judges.

“If I clinch with you and I hip tie you or suplex you over my head and slam you or bang you into that mat with impact, again, that could outdo 12 or f**king 13 outside bundles or trips you had before when we fight. Make no mistake about it; the number one criterion, the preeminent factor that a judge will consider, is damage. That’s what it is. It used to be the word ‘impact’; they never liked the word ‘damage,’ but let’s be honest: you’re in a fight, and my job is to damage you within the realms of the rules to render you potentially unable to continue in that fight anymore.”

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Marc Goddard Names Israel Adesanya Bout As The Greatest He’s Refereed: ‘I’ve Cried After That Fight…’

As a veteran referee, Marc Goddard has been the third man in the Octagon for some of the most iconic UFC fights of all time. He’s seen his fair share of show stealing knockouts, jaw dropping comebacks and epic encounters that fans will talk about for decades to come. During a recent interview with talkSPORT […]

Continue Reading Marc Goddard Names Israel Adesanya Bout As The Greatest He’s Refereed: ‘I’ve Cried After That Fight…’ at MMA News.

As a veteran referee, Marc Goddard has been the third man in the Octagon for some of the most iconic UFC fights of all time.

He’s seen his fair share of show stealing knockouts, jaw dropping comebacks and epic encounters that fans will talk about for decades to come.

During a recent interview with talkSPORT MMA, Goddard spoke about some of the most memorable fights that he has officiated.

Find any interview with the Brit talking about this specific question and he always gives the same answer, taking you back to one night in Atlanta, Georgia.

Marc Goddard Talks About When Israel Adesanya & Kelvin Gastelum Pushed Each Other To The Limit

At UFC 236, the co-main event of the evening was the highlight of the night even when it was followed by Dustin Poirier vs Max Holloway 2.

Israel Adesanya met Kelvin Gastelum with the interim middleweight title on the line and the pair produced an all-time classic.

This one will always stand out to Goddard when he looks back on all of the fights that he has played a part in, he said.

“Then number one is, every day of the week, twice on a Sunday, is Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum.

“You find one moment in your life when you think, ‘I’m not going to go away’. In this fight, you had two guys in the exact same moment that wouldn’t go away. I couldn’t believe what I was watching unfold in front of me. I remember that there’s a clip at the beginning of the fifth round and Israel’s looking across him saying, ‘I’m prepared to die.’ Now I didn’t, I’m not looking at this, I’d seen it afterwards but honestly mate, that fight when you got two fighters that went into the deepest, darkest depths of their soul and they went into the deepest, darkest waters imaginable or possible in a fight and I was right alongside them, standing three-foot away, witnessing this unfold.”

Goddard also said that the fight produced an emotional moment both on that night and when he watches the fight back, after seeing how far both men were able to push each other.

“As soon as I know they’re safe, I f****** run off with my head in hands and I won’t be ashamed to say, I’ve cried after that fight watching it back because it was ungodly what those guys did. It was ungodly.”

Read also: Alexander Volkanovski Picks ‘Very Exciting’ Conor McGregor Fight Over Ilia Topuria Rematch

Continue Reading Marc Goddard Names Israel Adesanya Bout As The Greatest He’s Refereed: ‘I’ve Cried After That Fight…’ at MMA News.

John McCarthy On Ref Marc Goddard Recusing Himself From Officiating Leon Edwards Fights: ‘Claims Don’t Mean S**t, But They’re Going To Make Them!’

“Big” John McCarthy recently shared his two cents on Marc Goddard’s decision to step down from officiating Leon Edwards’ fights, praising it as a wise and commendable move. During a recent interview on the Overdogs Podcast, Goddard delved into the complexities of refereeing MMA fights, particularly how personal relationships with fighters can complicate his role. […]

Continue Reading John McCarthy On Ref Marc Goddard Recusing Himself From Officiating Leon Edwards Fights: ‘Claims Don’t Mean S**t, But They’re Going To Make Them!’ at MMA News.

“Big” John McCarthy recently shared his two cents on Marc Goddard’s decision to step down from officiating Leon Edwards’ fights, praising it as a wise and commendable move.

During a recent interview on the Overdogs Podcast, Goddard delved into the complexities of refereeing MMA fights, particularly how personal relationships with fighters can complicate his role. The veteran referee used Edwards as a prime example, explaining that he will never officiate the reigning UFC welterweight champion bouts.

Goddard revealed that he was “Rocky’s” first MMA coach and wants to avoid any accusations of bias towards his former tutee, highlighting his commitment to maintaining impartiality.

The Brit referee has a storied career in MMA, boasting over two decades of experience both officiating and fighting. Goddard is a highly esteemed referee who has officiated numerous marquee bouts in the UFC and other top promotions.

McCarthy, a titan in the realm of MMA refereeing, hailed Goddard’s decision and offered his own insights on the perspectives of officiating a close friend’s fight…

McCarthy Endorses Decision to Avoid Officiating a Friend’s Fight

During a recent episode of the WEIGHING IN podcast with former UFC lightweight contender Josh Thomson, McCarthy recounted his encounters with the unique challenges of officiating fights involving fighters with whom he shared close personal bonds, while praising Goddard for his stance.

“It’s the right decision,” McCarthy said. “The real decision is that you try to take yourself out of situations that can put you into an area where someone can make a claim. And claims don’t mean sh*t, but they’re going to make them.”

“Big John” revealed that he had a close friendship with MMA legends Royce Gracie and Tim Sylvia, yet found himself officiating their bouts due to commission mandates.

The former UFC referee admitted he was initially reluctant to oversee those fights but couldn’t decline. He consistently made it a point to inform the commissions and MMA promotion about his camaraderie with the fighters.

“You have to just be honest and say, ‘Can you be fair?’ You’re always going to get someone who’s gonna say you’re not fair.”

Continue Reading John McCarthy On Ref Marc Goddard Recusing Himself From Officiating Leon Edwards Fights: ‘Claims Don’t Mean S**t, But They’re Going To Make Them!’ at MMA News.

Referee Marc Goddard ‘specifically requested not to’ officiate Pereira vs. Adesanya rematch at UFC 287

Referee Marc Goddard 'Specifically requested not To' officiate Pereira vs. Adesanya rematch at UFC 287Marc Goddard wanted nothing to do with Israel Adesanya’s UFC rematch with Alex Pereira. Goddard is considered by many…

Referee Marc Goddard 'Specifically requested not To' officiate Pereira vs. Adesanya rematch at UFC 287

Marc Goddard wanted nothing to do with Israel Adesanya’s UFC rematch with Alex Pereira.

Goddard is considered by many to be one of the UFC’s most respected referees, often acting as the third man in the Octagon for some of the biggest fights in the promotion’s history. That includes his role in the UFC 281 encounter between former middleweight world champions Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira.

On that night, ‘The Last Stylebender’ surrendered the 185-pound crown to his GLORY Kickboxing foe via a shocking fifth-round knockout. However, the stoppage was the subject of some criticism with many suggesting that Goddard stepped in too early and should have allowed Adesanya more time to recover.

Marc Goddard refereeing Pereira vs. Adesanya

Adesanya himself was also critical of the stoppage, prompting Goddard to request that he not be involved in their rematch at UFC 287 five months later.

“Do you remember when Israel Adesanya fought Alex Pereira for the second time in Miami? I specifically requested not to do that fight [too],” Goddard said during an appearance on the Overdogs Podcast.

“Me and him are [fine], I’ve refereed him since, I’ve refereed his fight with Sean Strickland, but I actually removed myself because what I didn’t want to do was walk in the dressing room, I was thinking of the fighter then, this is his night, it’s all about him. I didn’t want to walk into that dressing room and him to have any form of negative connotations or something like that.”

“So, I just thought that the right thing to do and the fairest thing to do by him is just stay out of the fight and give it to another ref. There’s been a couple of incidences where there’s [been] certain fighters that I would rather not [officiate] for personal reasons” (h/t Bloody Elbow).

Marc Goddard will never referee a Leon Edwards fight

Goddard also revealed during the conversation that there is one specific fighter you will never see him in the Octagon with, though for a very different reason.

“Here’s a classic case, Leon Edwards — you’ve never seen me referee Leon Edwards in the UFC and you never will, why? Because I was Leon Edwards’ first MMA coach,” Goddard revealed.

“[That was] way, way back when he was an amateur but it’s a common-sense element for me, even though the link is so [dated], who knew then when Leon first walked in… But you’ve never saw me referee him and you never will because we just keep it out of the way.”

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Outside of the obvious reasons, Goddard also explained that he doesn’t want to find himself “in a predicament where I’m making a call that could go against him so it’s both ways.”

Marc Goddard

Marc Goddard Claims MMA Judging Is Better Than It’s Ever Been: ‘Despite What People Think…’

Marc Goddard recently said that MMA judging is at its peak, emphasizing that officials consistently deliver genuine decisions regardless of popular opinion. MMA judging has long been a contentious issue within the sport. Critics argue that some cageside scorers fail to adhere to established criteria, lack sufficient experience in the sport, and occasionally render questionable […]

Continue Reading Marc Goddard Claims MMA Judging Is Better Than It’s Ever Been: ‘Despite What People Think…’ at MMA News.

Marc Goddard recently said that MMA judging is at its peak, emphasizing that officials consistently deliver genuine decisions regardless of popular opinion.

MMA judging has long been a contentious issue within the sport. Critics argue that some cageside scorers fail to adhere to established criteria, lack sufficient experience in the sport, and occasionally render questionable decisions.

Claims of a misaligned scoring system and lack of quality control in judge training and selection contribute to the ongoing controversy, making it a recurring issue at many events.

Goddard is a highly respected and seasoned MMA referee with over two decades of experience, having officiated numerous high-profile bouts in the UFC and other leading promotions.

With his extensive background, it’s reasonable to assume that Goddard has a profound grasp of the operations and the mindset required to accurately score a fight.

And the Brit maintains that MMA judging has reached new heights of sophistication…

Goddard Asserts ‘Misconceptions’ Have Tainted MMA Officiating

During a recent interview on the Overdogs Podcast, Goddard was asked to share his thoughts on some of the significant errors and contentious calls by MMA judges in recent times.

The UK-based MMA referee responded by highlighting his extensive experience in judging numerous fights and his role in educating newcomers about the intricacies of judging.

“Of course, I am a judge; I do judge. I teach judges. I teach referees and judges.”

Goddard added that although judging has markedly improved recently, controversial decisions are an unavoidable aspect of the sport. However, he pointed out that the most significant challenges in MMA judging arise from widespread misunderstandings and fan biases, which muddle the perception of fairness in officiating.

“Despite what people think, judging now and MMA officiating now is better than it’s ever been. Yes, you’re going to get contentious decisions, and yes, you’re gonna get — but one of the biggest problems we have with MMA judging is misconception. People hear things in certain ways, and they just dive into a rabbit hole with them. They take no time to understand. … And that’s what frustates me and my colleagues.”

In addition to his role as an MMA referee, Goddard is a former practitioner and submission grappler who competed in 14 heavyweight matches during his five-year fighting career.

He concluded his competitive journey with a record of 7-6-1 before retiring from active competition in 2008. Furthermore, he holds a second-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Continue Reading Marc Goddard Claims MMA Judging Is Better Than It’s Ever Been: ‘Despite What People Think…’ at MMA News.