John McCarthy News
'Big' John McCarthy shares hilarious story of officiating one of Nick Diaz's early UFC fights: "Hey B****! C'mon B****!"
Curtis Calhoun - May 13, 2024
Longtime MMA referee ‘Big’ John McCarthy’s attempts to get a young Nick Diaz to tone it down proved futile at UFC 51. Diaz is one of the most beloved fighters in UFC history after a long, successful run inside the Octagon. The Stockton standout defeated the likes of BJ Penn, Paul Daley, and Frank Shamrock during his promotional tenure.
John McCarthy defends referee Herb Dean against critics of non-stoppage in UFC 300 main event: “Exactly what we would train”
Cole Shelton - April 17, 2024
Longtime MMA referee John McCarthy says Herb Dean did everything right in the UFC 300 main event. Dean was the referee for the light heavyweight title fight that saw Alex Pereira defending his 205lbs title for the first time against former champ Jamahal Hill.
John McCarthy explains why Max Holloway is the “worst type of opponent” for Justin Gaethje
Harry Kettle - April 12, 2024
MMA analyst John McCarthy has given his thoughts on tomorrow night’s clash between Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway. This weekend, Justin Gaethje will defend his BMF title against Max Holloway. As you can imagine, fans are pretty excited to see how it all plays out. Both men have entertaining styles, neither man knows how to quit, and they’re willing to leave it all in the cage.
John McCarthy explains how the commission “did the right thing” by giving Chris Weidman a technical decision win at UFC Atlantic City
Harry Kettle - April 2, 2024
Former MMA referee John McCarthy has explained why he believes the commission did the right thing by changing Chris Weidman’s victory to a technical decision. Last weekend, Chris Weidman defeated Bruno Silva. It was initially ruled as a stoppage win for Chris, however, it was eventually changed to a technical decision. In the immediate aftermath, there was a lot of controversy surrounding reported eye pokes that were committed by Weidman.
John McCarthy weighs in on Saturday’s Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Shamil Gaziev main event: “This is what's wrong with the heavyweight division"
Susan Cox - March 4, 2024
John McCarthy is weighing in on Saturday’s Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Shamil Gaziev main event bout at UFC Vegas 87. It was just this past weekend that saw Jairzinho Rozenstruik (14-5 MMA) vs. Shamil Gaziev (12-1 MMA) in a heavyweight main event bout.
John McCarthy and Josh Thomson weigh in on Kayla Harrison’s decision to sign with UFC: “I think she went where the easier fights are”
Cole Shelton - January 25, 2024
John McCarthy and Josh Thomson believe Kayla Harrison signed with the UFC to go after easier fights. Earlier this week, UFC CEO Dana White announced the promotion has signed Harrison and she will debut at UFC 300 against Holly Holm. It was a shocking announcement and former Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh Thomson was disappointed with the signing.
John McCarthy thinks Colby Covington won’t ever “reach that pinnacle” following loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 296: “Did you see who he called out?”
Harry Kettle - January 4, 2024
MMA analyst John McCarthy isn’t convinced that Colby Covington will ever reach the championship level after his loss at UFC 296. Last month at UFC 296, Colby Covington fell short in his attempt to claim the UFC welterweight championship. He lost via unanimous decision to Leon Edwards in a bout that was largely dominated by the reigning champion from Birmingham, England. In the aftermath of the contest, fans and pundits alike were quick to criticize ‘Chaos’ for the way he fought.
John McCarthy believes Dana White's PFL comments spawn from frustration over missing out on Bellator fighters
Harry Kettle - December 6, 2023
John McCarthy has given his thoughts on UFC president Dana White’s recent comments regarding PFL purchasing Bellator. The MMA community has had a few weeks to digest the news that PFL has purchased Bellator. As you can imagine, there have been plenty of opinions flying around regarding what it means for the sport and for both brands moving forward.
John McCarthy is speaking out after Tim Kennedy claims his controversial loss to Yoel Romero ended his fight career
Susan Cox - September 29, 2023
John McCarthy is speaking out after Tim Kennedy claims that his controversial loss to Yoel Romero ended his fight career. Tim Kennedy (18-6 MMA) fought Yoel Romero (15-7 MMA) way back in 2014 at UFC 178. The result was a TKO loss for Kennedy. John McCarthy was the referee of record for that fight.
John McCarthy shares the one area Paddy Pimblett can pose problems for Tony Ferguson
Harry Kettle - September 29, 2023
MMA analyst John McCarthy has given his thoughts on the upcoming match-up between Paddy Pimblett and Tony Ferguson. Later this year at UFC 296, Paddy Pimblett will square off against Tony Ferguson. It’s easily the biggest name he’s faced in his mixed martial arts career, but it must be said that fans are divided on this match-up. Some feel as if it’s a great test for both men, whereas others feel like it’s purely being set up with the intention of getting Pimblett a win against a big name.
Not Legal! John McCarthy says Israel Adesanya should have been forced to trim his fingernails at UFC 293
Harry Kettle - September 15, 2023
Former MMA referee John McCarthy believes Israel Adesanya should’ve been forced to trim his fingernails before UFC 293. Last weekend at UFC 293, Israel Adesanya lost the UFC middleweight championship. He was beaten by Sean Strickland in a one-sided unanimous decision, leaving many fans and pundits stunned. It was one of the biggest upsets in MMA history, with many just not being able to fathom that Strickland was able to get the job done.
John McCarthy is not sold on Dana White’s comments regarding a UFC comeback for Ronda Rousey
Susan Cox - August 31, 2023
John McCarthy is not sold on Dana White’s comments regarding a UFC comeback for Ronda Rousey. Ronda Rousey (12-2 MMA) retired from the MMA world all the way back in 2016 after experiencing back to back losses to Holly Holm (15-7 MMA) and Amanda Nunes (23-5 MMA).
John McCarthy weighs in on Jan Blachowicz’s claims of robbery after UFC 291 loss: “You think the f***ing takedown is what gives you the win?”
Harry Kettle - August 3, 2023
John McCarthy has questioned Jan Blachowicz’s claim that he was robbed in his UFC 291 defeat to Alex Pereira. Last weekend at UFC 291, Jan Blachowicz went head to head with Alex Pereira in a big light heavyweight clash. The popular opinion, in the eyes of many, was that the winner would receive a title shot in their next bout. In the end, the judges ultimately gave the nod to ‘Poatan’ following a competitive encounter.
John McCarthy shares the former UFC champion who took “pleasure” in hurting his opponents
Harry Kettle - August 1, 2023
MMA analyst John McCarthy has spoken candidly about the lengths a former UFC heavyweight would go to in order to win. Across his many years in the sport of mixed martial arts, John McCarthy has seen it all. The former referee spent a long time with the UFC as one of their main guys, but now, you can catch him doing analyst work on YouTube and commentary work for Bellator.
John McCarthy shuts down talk of a Ronda Rousey return to the UFC: “Walk away and be a farmer”
Harry Kettle - July 7, 2023
Former UFC referee John McCarthy has dismissed the idea of Ronda Rousey making a sensational return to the UFC. As many fans know, Ronda Rousey built quite a legacy for herself in mixed martial arts. She holds a 12-2 record, and served as the first major female star the UFC had seen. She became a global phenomenon and while she did lose her last two bouts to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, she also had a lot of great moments along the way.
Big John McCarthy takes issue with Saturday’s UFC 289 main card lineup: “Is this pay-per-view quality?”
Susan Cox - June 8, 2023
Big John McCarthy is taking issue with Saturday’s UFC 289 main card lineup. UFC 289 takes place this coming Saturday, June 10th at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia.
John McCarthy and Josh Thomson critical of Dana White's Power Slap league and athlete pay
Harry Kettle - January 27, 2023
John McCarthy and Josh Thomson have questioned the legitimacy and future of Dana White’s Power Slap league. Ever since day one, we’ve seen many questions hanging over the head of Dana White’s new Power Slap league. Some are intrigued, whereas others have some serious concerns.
'Big' John McCarthy explains path to victory for Petr Yan against Merab Dvalishvili
Andrew Whitelaw - January 25, 2023
‘Big’ John McCarthy has laid out a gameplan for Petr Yan to beat Merab Dvalishvili when the pair go toe-to-toe in in March. The fight has the potential to be an absolute banger and will serve as the main event for UFC Vegas 71 in what will be the promotion’s inaugural event at the Virgin Hotel in Sin City.