5 MMA refs who could probably kill you

It’s often said that referees have the hardest job in the sport of MMA. Their decisions not only have an impact on a fighter’s win/loss record, but also on their livelihood. It’s an incredible amount of pressure to deal with, especially in a sport where athletes rely on win bonuses to pay coaches and put food on the table. Questionable calls can have tragic consequences.

Fickle MMA fans only add to the stress. Make a great call? Kudos, that’s your job dummy. Make a questionable one? Your entire bloodline is worthless.

Successful MMA referees have to possess the combat knowledge to call fights correctly and the discipline to deal with anxiety, so it shouldn’t be surprising to learn that a handful of refs are skilled martial artists and legitimate fighters in their own right.

Aggressive fans and angry fighters take note, here are 5 MMA referees that can legitimately fight:

5) Dan Miragliotta

Standing 6’4 and weighing close to 300lbs, Dan Miragliotta is an intimidating man. He’s also a muay thai trainer, 5th degree black belt in Kempo karate and trains Brazilian jiu jitsu under Renzo Gracie. Yikes.

4) Leon Roberts

Perhaps best known for slapping a rear naked choke on Nathias Frederick, Leon Roberts trained under Mark Weir (known for his Range Fighting System) and is a blue belt in Gracie Barra jiu jitsu.

3) Big John McCarthy

Big John is probably the most well-known referee on this list. He’s been calling fights in the UFC since groin shots were legal, and is respected as both a referee and martial artist by his peers.

2) Herb Dean

Perhaps the most respected referee in MMA, Herb Dean has a professional MMA record of 2-3, is a 2nd degree black belt in jiu jitsu, and has hair that would make Bob Marley jealous.

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1) Marc Goddard

Goddard earns the top spot here because he has more professional MMA fights than anybody else on this list, and has a winning pro record of 7-6, with his last win coming via TKO over Ivan Serati in 2007.