Big John has become the face of the law in the Octagon. He has been an official since the very early days of the UFC, becoming a referee at UFC 2. Having officiated approximately 500 MMA bouts and always kicking things off with his trademark phrase "Let's get it on!", Big John has become more famous than most fighters in the UFC.
Since UFC 2, there has only been one event that he did not participate as a referee, and that was the most recent event; UFC 78 in New Jersey. This was because the Athletic Commission in New Jersey demanded that local referees oversee the bouts on the card.
The main event between Roger Huerta and Clay Guida will be the last time we ever see Big John raise the hand of a victorious fighter and the last time we hear the words "Let's Get it On" inside the Octagon.
Big John will move into his new job as a fight analyst for the Fight Network.
With his retirement, I say it's time that the UFC recognizes all that Big John has done for the organization and the sport of MMA. Send "Big" John McCarthy to the UFC Hall of Fame!
I was looking at his website earlier today and found a lot of interesting accomplishements that Big John has achieved. Here is the list of great things that Big John has done:
- Officiated over 500 MMA fights worldwide
- Masters Hall of Fame - Outstanding contribution to Mixed Martial Arts
- American Grappling Association Black Belt Instructor
- Member of the Los Angeles Police Department's Mixed Martial Arts Review Board
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
- Grapple Instructor for Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
- Self-Defense Instructor for the Los Angeles Police Department
- Tactics Instructor for the Los Angeles Police Department
- Key figure for writing the unified rules for the sport of mixed martial arts
- Received a California State Resolution for accomplishments in Mixed Martial Arts safety and growth
- Recognized as the premier referee in mixed martial arts
Big John has done so much for the sport of mixed martial arts. He has done so much to ensure the growth of the sport and the safety of the fighters. Other than the first and last UFC events, Big John McCarthy has officiated at every single UFC event ever held. There's not a fight fan in the world who hasn't heard the words "Let's Get it On!" and there's not a fight fan in the world who doesn't know who Big John McCarthy is. He has become one of the most recognizable figures in the sport of MMA; this along with all his contributions to the sport make him more than deserving of the honour of being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
He, along with current Hall of Famers Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock, and Randy Couture, has made the sport what it is today.
Send "Big" John McCarthy to the UFC Hall of Fame!
Although one could easily watch Big John on the Fight Network, I will really miss the big guy taking care of business inside the Octagon. Things won't quite be the same without him.
1 comment:
Well said.
Post a Comment