Big John McCarthy is a legendary MMA referee who coined the term “mixed martial arts” and helped write many of the sport’s early rules. Officiating his first card back at UFC 2 in 1994, Big John is widely regarded as a supreme authority on rules and referee conduct.
Although he has retired from refereeing bouts, Big John remains involved in the sport by teaching COMMAND courses, a hybrid referee and judging class. COMMAND is an internationally recognized school for MMA referees and judges.
A controversial moment involving a referee occurred on Saturday during UFC Fight Night: Ulberg vs.