Issue 098

February 2013

The greatest rounds usually feature the greatest fighters for a reason: professionalism

MARC GODDARD

Each issue UFC referee Marc Goddard brings fight fans the ref’s side of the story.

Earlier in this issue (page 68), FO looks at ‘The 20 Greatest Rounds in History’ and it’s not coincidence that the very best fights have featured the world’s best fighters. I’ve been most privileged to share the Octagon as the third man with some of MMA’s biggest stars and legends. 

Iconic and world-renowned fighters such as Anderson Silva, Randy Couture, ‘Shogun’ Rua, Benson Henderson, Forrest Griffin, Frankie Edgar – the list could go on. And each and every time I’ve been placed with the responsibility of over-seeing a fight contesting such names, a common theme is all have been amongst some of the simplest – purely in terms of my input regarding involvement or intervention – I’ve ever encountered in my several thousand-bout experience.

The higher profile the fight and the more at stake, the easier it is to officiate. One particular occasion I recall with great fondness is when I was assigned to the main event of UFC 105 in Manchester a few years ago: Randy Couture vs Brandon Vera. I went back to the dressing rooms to talk to the fighters and go through particulars as I always do. As I approached Randy and introduced myself, ‘Yes sir,’ came the reply. Here we have perhaps the biggest icon and most revered fighter of our times and he was addressing me as sir. 

Of course, Couture’s military background, upbringing, role as an Olympic alternate status, and so on, leads him to address figures of authority (for my short time when over-seeing the fight) in such a manner. But it will stay with me forever. Vera, too, was equally as polite, courteous and an absolute pleasure to oversee.

Another instance was the UFC lightweight championship fight between Benson Henderson and Frankie Edgar out in Japan I had the honour of officiating. Again, working through our assignments and going to talk to the fighters directly, I remember both Benson and Frankie being ultra-relaxed, attentive and respectful. Then in the fight, my role was simple – keep out of the way and allow the fighters to go at it for the full 25 minutes. 

And over the course of the five rounds they didn’t require a single intervention from me – and that was an excellent, closely fought fight. It is not very often I’ll go back and thank both fighters for their efforts, professionalism and conduct, but this was one instance when I wanted to give both my respect and thanks. 

So what about my favourite round, I hear you ask? Well, from a purely selfish point of view, hopefully I’ve still yet to see it. I’ve witnessed some incredible bouts – ranging from amateurs to UFC legends fighting for titles – and I’ve enjoyed so many positive experiences that make it very difficult for me put my finger on just one. 

I know I’m not alone in maintaining that mixed martial arts is the world’s greatest sport. It’s already given us all so many wonderful experiences with so many occasions of terrific humility, dignity, heart and bravery that picking just one is impossible. Hopefully, any question about the greatest round or fight in history, will remain without a definitive answer for many years to come.