[mmamasta]

So I was watching some SF this weekend and of course couldn't help but notice the worlds best ref (imo) Big John McCarthy reffing some matches. I know people have talked about him not being in the UFC and that blowing donkey balls. But does anyone know WHY he isn't in the UFC anymore?

I can't find anything right now, but I thought Dana has said in interviews that he thinks Big John is fantastic. So if it's not on the UFC's side, who is it that's not letting him ref the UFC matches? The Athletic Commission?

So I guess I'm starting the thread so that if really no one knows on here we can at least speculate as to why?

My initial gut reaction would be for some (dub-f*ck) reason whoever decides where the guys ref didn't like the 'star' status of Big John, and so they pulled him. I say this only because I notice the tend to rotate refs, so that's the cause for him doing other things. And the 'star' factor being the reason was the LEAST terrible ignorant choice I could think of that they would pull him from the UFC matches.

Any other ideas?

 

[UFC on VHS]

Basicly it's a behind the scenes thing. Dana say's he doesn't have a problem with Big John but we won't see him ref in the UFC anytime soon..

 

[swpthleg]

Basicly it's a behind the scenes thing. Dana say's he doesn't have a problem with Big John but we won't see him ref in the UFC anytime soon..

That is so f8cking lame of Dana, Zuffa, and whoever else is preventing Big John from reffing in the UFC.

 

[UFC on VHS]

Ya I do miss seeing Big John in the octagon but im fine with seeing him in Strikeforce.

Im actually kinda surprised but I have grown to like Herb Dean.

 

[bedcommando]

didn't he give up his nevada state license to ref or something along those lines? I barely recall an article talking about he's in line to be approved but there was no rush or some technicality that was holding it up...

arn't refs generally state appointed by that states athelitc comittee?

*edit
http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2009/9/22/1048981/nsac-does-not-re-license-big-john

executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, McCarthy, who submitted his application Sept. 10, was informed that the state "[does] not anticipate adding any additional referees at this time. We will place your application in the pending file in case the situation changes."

 

[alizio]

i thot he f'd up and couldnt ref in nevada anymore?

 

[Life B Ez]

Anytime someone doesn't want anything to do with the UFC it's pretty much always something to do with Uncle Fester himself, Dana White.

 

[thejitz]

Big John should be disappointed he's not in UFC.

Im sure deep inside hes crying for not being part of the likes of Dan Miragliotta and Steve Mazzagatti.

:sarcastic12:

 

[thrshr01]

Big John should be disappointed he's not in UFC.

Im sure deep inside hes crying for not being part of the likes of Dan Miragliotta and Steve Mazzagatti.

:sarcastic12:

What does the UFC have to do with those refs you mentioned? Their NSAC refs, not private UFC refs. :confused02:

 

[machidaisgod]

He is a ref and thought he was bigger than the other refs, guess not? Plus there are rumors he fixed a fight, just rumors though.....

 

[Indestructibl3]

He is a ref and thought he was bigger than the other refs, guess not? Plus there are rumors he fixed a fight, just rumors though.....

I'm sure that was just a rumour.

 

[FrankMir20]

This is why

starts at 07:20

 

[Machida Karate]

This is why

starts at 07:20

AHH!! Good POST/Find +Rep! So THAAATS why... I knew it was somethign along those lines

 

[BlacklistShaun]

What's that video of? I can't view it...

 

[Machida Karate]

What's that video of? I can't view it...

Its Dana White talking about how he has Zero control over the Refs, and that Big John left the athletic commission to do his own thing to make more money, or make his own show ect...

And i guess he bad mouthed the Athletic Commission, and got them all pissy, and did something to piss UFC off as well.... The UFC thing if i remember correctly had something to do with John complaining about how the fighters weren't getting paid enough or something of that sort....


But he obviously decided to Ref again... To bad he didn't just stick with being the best...

Now its Herb's time to shine lol

 

[BlacklistShaun]

Ah, yea I think I saw something on TV one time where he was doing an interview a long time ago saying something about how little UFC fighters get paid.

I don't think he's hurting too bad though, seems to be doing well for himself.

 

[swpthleg]

Awwww, say it ain't so!!

Come back to us, Big John!

Herb has been a masterful ref for years now, I don't object a bit to him taking center stage in the Awesome Refs of the UFC show.

 

[G_Land]

I thinjk its more of a mental thing..Kinda like seeing an ex with another person..It doesnt really bother you but for some reason you care...I grew up (refering to my mma viewing/knowledge) With Big John reffing the biggest matches.

 

[machidaisgod]

Wow, sticking uop for the fighters against the commission and Dana. Big John has big juevos, but that explains his boot from UFC and means he wont be back, great more Yves.

 

[FrodoFraggins]

I've seen some people mention that Big John was unhappy that the UFC fighters didn't have a union as well. Probably along the same lines as feeling they aren't paid well enough. We know a fighters union is the last thing Dana wants to see.