Since UFC 2 in 1994, "Big" John McCarthy has been a referee for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. It seems like he will referee his last tournament this Saturday for The Ultimate Fighter Finale 6 and then announce his retirement thereafter.
McCarthy has been a referee for over 500 MMA fights and except for UFC 78, he has worked on every single fight card since UFC 2. In mixed martial arts, he will be considered a legend and one of the most respected referees in the history of the UFC. His name will be remembered by many for as long as this sport exists.
The LAPD officer since 1985 is well recognized for the black belt he earned in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Rorian Gracie. His work as a referee has been complete, but he will continue working at his MMA gym- Big John McCarthy’s Ultimate Training Academy- in Valencia, California. He will also be taking a job as an MMA analyst with The Fight Network.
