What????? Just got an email from bellator that Big John is headed to the booth as
LOS ANGELES – Bellator is pleased to announce that it has come to an agreement with John McCarthy to serve as color commentator during broadcasts on the soon-to-launch Paramount Network, which kicks off with Bellator 192 on Saturday, January 20.
“With the addition of ‘Big’ John to our broadcast team, we have put together the premier group of MMA commentators ahead of our Jan. 20 debut on the Paramount Network,” Bellator President Scott Coker said. “With John and Chael providing analysis, you’re getting two people who have spent more time in the cage than they have spent with a headset on, and that will translate to a positive viewing experience for Bellator fans.”
Over the past 20 years, “Big” John McCarthy has set the bar when it comes to officiating in MMA, a sport where he has overseen countless fights promoted by Bellator and other promotions all over the world, serving as the referee for some of the biggest bouts in the history of the sport. A former Los Angeles Police Officer, and a Self-Defense Instructor at the Los Angeles Police Academy, McCarthy is also the founder of “C.O.M.M.A.N.D.,” a program that trains and certifies hopeful MMA referees and judges. McCarthy’s regulatory work is equally as impressive, as he was a key figure in the writing of the sport’s Unified Rules, which are recognized by the ABC and athletic commissions all across North America.
Along with his broadcasting duties, the man behind the catchphrase “Let’s get it on!” will also provide a unique level of first-hand insight to the plethora of original content produced by Bellator’s digital team
Indeed… he’s had a bit of TV experience before, on teh Fight Network (albeit minimal) and knows fighting technique. Combine that with his knowledge of the reffing/judging side fo things, it could provide us with a really new experience in the fight calling.
Of course, it would take him some time getting his feet under him.
Hopefully this doesn’t mean he’s reducing the number of times he’s reffing.
Quote from John: “It is always so hard to leave something you love, but I have always wanted to step away based on my terms rather than someone else’s. My goals are to work as hard as I can to meet the expectations everyone will have for me and to hopefully someday exceed them.”
Indeed… he’s had a bit of TV experience before, on teh Fight Network (albeit minimal) and knows fighting technique. Combine that with his knowledge of the reffing/judging side fo things, it could provide us with a really new experience in the fight calling.
Of course, it would take him some time getting his feet under him.
Hopefully this doesn’t mean he’s reducing the number of times he’s reffing.
Indeed… he’s had a bit of TV experience before, on teh Fight Network (albeit minimal) and knows fighting technique. Combine that with his knowledge of the reffing/judging side fo things, it could provide us with a really new experience in the fight calling.
Of course, it would take him some time getting his feet under him.
Hopefully this doesn’t mean he’s reducing the number of times he’s reffing.
He will no longer be a ref.
Mannnnn fuck.
This sucks. It’s cool to have him as a broadcaster but there’s like two Bellator events of fucking year that I watch. I feel like we need him as a ref in the UFC more than we need him commenting on those fucking fights.
Whatever. if that’s what John wants to do and he’s passionate about it I’m sure it will be an awesome product. Good for him, I’m sure he will still run some type of school or seminars and continue the practice of growing the referee side of things