John McCarthy (referee)
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"Big" John Michael McCarthy, (born 17 December 1962) the 'Octagon's ninth side', is the former head referee for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, a Los Angeles Police Officer, and a Tactical Self-Defense Instructor at the Los Angeles Police Academy. He currently provides commentary and analysis for The Fight Network's coverage of UFC events.
McCarthy was the most senior referee in the UFC and is well-known for his delivery of "Let's get it on!" - a now-trademarked phrase shouted at the start of bouts. McCarthy served as referee for nearly every fight in the UFC from UFC 2 until UFC 31, and was considered as much a part of the UFC as the octagonal arena itself. His 535th and final bout was the main event at The Ultimate Fighter 6 finale in Las Vegas, Roger Huerta vs. Clay Guida.
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[edit] Biography
In 1985 McCarthy became a police officer for the Los Angeles Police Department, following his father who worked as a police officer for thirty years. In August of 1993, McCarthy was awarded his Tactics & Self-Defense Instructor Certification by the LAPD, and has been teaching for the department ever since.
The nickname of 'Big John' came about because of his stature. He stands 6'4" and weighs 240 lbs; making him larger than many of the athletes he presides over. According to a recent UFC interview, the nickname was given to him by UFC co-founder & promoter Art Davie. McCarthy recalls that the nickname began when he forcibly lifted Davie off the ground and held him in the air. [1]
[edit] UFC
His connection to the UFC is attributed to his relationship with the Gracie family, particularly Rorion Gracie. McCarthy had been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Rorion at the Gracie Academy in Torrance, CA in the early 1990s, and was designated a certified "GRAPLE" (Gracie Resisting Attack Procedures for Law Enforcement) instructor by the Gracie Academy in December 1993.
When Rorion Gracie was putting together his new fighting promotion in 1993, McCarthy expressed interest in fighting for the UFC, but Gracie advised against it. However, due to his experience in law enforcement, McCarthy was seen as a fitting man to referee. He debuted at UFC 2: No Way Out in 1994 and has served with the company ever since.
The early days of UFC did not contain many rules; McCarthy's role was only to supervise the fight and to ensure that it ended promptly when a competitor either submitted (also known as tap out), was knocked out, or had his towel thrown in. Although first disfavored by UFC executives, referee stoppage eventually became a more prominent part of the UFC, and a referee's role now includes the stopping of fights when a fighter cannot intelligently defend himself.
McCarthy was the sole referee for every main card match in the UFC from UFC 2 until UFC 31, when the sport was sanctioned. Since the UFC was sanctioned by the New Jersey and Nevada State Athletic Commissions in 2001, McCarthy has served as referee for many matches, alongside Herb Dean, Steve Mazzagatti, and Mario Yamasaki.
Although retired as a referee for UFC events, he is a tactical instructor at the LAPD police academy and trains combat referees at REFS Academy (Ring Experienced Fight Specialists). [2] On December 31, 2004, McCarthy served as the referee for a fight held on the K-1 Dynamite! card at the Osaka Dome in Osaka, Japan between MMA legend Royce Gracie and Sumo legend-turned-fighter Akebono Taro.
On December 7, 2007, McCarthy stated that he would retire as the UFC's head referee after officiating the Roger Huerta/Clay Guida match at The Ultimate Fighter: Team Hughes vs. Team Serra Ultimate Finale card on December 8, 2007.[3] He is now an analyst for The Fight Network's coverage of UFC events.[4]
[edit] Personal life
In September 2006, John McCarthy opened his first MMA school in Valencia, CA with the help of various investors. This 16,000 square foot gym is one of the largest MMA schools in California. His dozen or so instructors teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, kickboxing, boxing, wrestling, judo and MMA. In January of 2007, he was awarded his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. Currently, McCarthy lives in Los Angeles with his wife and children.
