Issue 099
March 2013
MMA reached new levels in 2012 – just imagine what’s coming next
MARC GODDARD
Each issue UFC referee Marc Goddard brings fight fans the ref’s side of the story
What an incredible year 2012 was for the sport of mixed martial arts. There were, again, so many memorable moments of note, both personally and looking at the industry as a whole. The growth, expansion and surge of the sport the world over looks set to continue well into 2013 with a yet unseen horizon for just how far MMA may reach.
From a personal point of view, being in charge of the UFC world lightweight title match-up between Benson Henderson and Frankie Edgar out in Japan, and then being the third man whilst the undisputed king of MMA, Anderson Silva, displayed an almost mythical and defying display when he again stepped up in weight, this time to take on Stephan Bonnar in his native Brazil, were both massive career highlights from last year.
As regards to the best fight I officiated in 2012. Well, there were so many worthwhile candidates who displayed incredible skill, heart and everything we know and love in the sport of MMA that it would be an injustice to single one fight on one night. From the lowest level amateur cards, to the world title fights – officiating is my passion and I’ve enjoyed almost every minute!
On a personal front, my continued journey with all that is MMA moved forward with many goals, objectives and highs reached. Travelling to new countries and areas I may never have visited if not for my involvement with the sport are always cherished and held with great sense of achievement, pride and honour. Notable for me in 2012 were Sweden, China, India and Japan – all amazing cultural learning opportunities – along with return visits to Brazil and Australia.
As I’ve stated previously, the intensity and atmosphere at the Brazilian events really are like nothing else on earth. It’s like religion, and on a par with the most fanatical football crowds – real ‘hairs on the back of the neck’ stuff.
The birth of the IMMAF (International Mixed Martial Arts Federation) and being elected to sit alongside Marc Ratner on the technical committee of this global venture – with its partnering and recognised UK group, in tandem with the SAFE MMA initiative – were all huge personal gains for me in the never-ending and constantly evolving search for the best and safest measures in which athletes can compete, as well as adding to and nurturing the growth of the sport wherever possible.
Domestically, MMA continued to flourish and long-running UK outfit Cage Warriors surged ahead with its expansion into new countries and territories, alongside its impressive media and TV footprint to showcase its fighters. Cage Warriors has such a well-organised, credible and stellar reputation and is one organisation with which I gratefully have a very well established, long and detailed officiating past with.
BAMMA also scored a very notable first with its maiden live broadcast of mixed martial arts on British terrestrial television, and looks set to continue its growth and success. Plus, many other grassroots and credible organisations continue to do their thing and help push and evolve the sport of mixed martial arts in the right direction across Britain and beyond.
Yes, 2012 saw some unprecedented levels of success for the sport and it’s most certainly showing no signs of slowing down as we head into this new year. Others like me, who have grown up with and evolved within the sport of MMA, always knew the potential it carried – but never quite the limitations, barriers and milestones that could be passed, broken and exceeded.
And already 2013 looks very promising indeed, and I am very excited to see just what will be achieved in the year ahead. With a continued success and growth rate matched with the previous year, we will likely see many more records broken and greater heights achieved.
