Former champ champ Conor McGregor lost to Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 257 on Saturday. In boxing there’s an old saying – kill the body and the head will die. In MMA today, it’s kick the calf and the head will die. Dustin Poirier threw 19 calf kicks in seven minutes and 32 seconds, with many landing cleanly. The area swelled, but there’s insufficient room to expand, so the nerves are subject to pressure to the extent that the foot dropped. Then Conor dropped. Then referee Herb Dean stopped it.

Later that night there was an eruption of mean memes mocking McGregor. And for the first time in memory, “The Notorious” hadn’t mocked his opponent pre-fight. Referee Marc Goddard was not impressed, as he made clear on his social network.

“I know that for the most part I’m throwing this out there to an uncaring social media abyss but don’t mock or berate fallen fighters,” he began. “To the cold and cynical souls who know not a single ounce of what it takes please, don’t do that.”

“Re my last tweet, this isn’t aimed at any specific fighter but it’s obviously amplified this weekend. I’ve put my arm around and consoled many a broken man/woman post-fight who at that time believe their world to collapse. Take it from me, their words and cries can haunt. Thank you.”

Then Goddard was asked the obvious question. Does he hold the same view about mocking fighters who mock others relentlessly? In short, even Colby Covington? Goddard’s reply was unambiguous – yes, even Colby.

“Fighting is too personal to me,” wrote the ref. “Each and every time a fighter steps in the cage a piece of them remains behind on that canvas. For the past 21 years, I’ve watched human beings emerge a different soul. I don’t ever kick when you’re down. So no, not even Colby. Class is permanent.”

What do you think UG? Did Marc Goddard make you think?