A day after the rumors that the “Babysitter to the stars” Burt Watson was leaving his position as the UFC’s site coordinator after 14 years, Watson went to Twitter to confirm the news himself. Watson, a great friend and former manager of the late boxing legend Joe Frazier, was an integral “behind the scenes” part of UFC events. His biggest impact was felt by the fighters, who Watson would make sure were on weight, had the proper equipment, and he regularly gave them pep talks and words of encouragement before they made their way to the Octagon.
As you would expect, a universal outpouring of shock, sadness, and memories came from not just past and present UFC fighters, but even from referees like Big John McCarthy and striking coaches such as John Kavanagh. Here is a sampling of how MMA figures reacted to today’s news:
.@BurtWatson4real you’re the MAN!!! Not gonna be the same at all without u…enjoy retirement my friend…
— Benson Henderson (@BensonHenderson) March 3, 2015
What?? Say it ain’t so @BurtWatson4real !!?? Feels weirdly like a death in the family, won’t be same UFC fight week #WEROLLIN
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) March 3, 2015
“@BurtWatson4real: After 14 AMAZING YEARS I’ve decided to step aside thank U Dana Lorenzo & Donna” you’ll be missed. Thanks for everything
— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) March 3, 2015
Gonna miss You @BurtWatson4real!
— Scott jorgensen (@Scottjorgensen) March 3, 2015
We gonna miss you @BurtWatson4real pic.twitter.com/Swq7O3HveT
— patrick cote (@patrick_cote) March 3, 2015
Say it ain’t so @BurtWatson4real @ufc
— Matt Hobar (@CrowbarHobar) March 3, 2015
The man I love and respect 100% @BurtWatson4real
— Manny Gamburyan (@MannyGamburyan) March 3, 2015
Say it aint so!!! @BurtWatson4real
— Brandon Thatch (@RUKUSMMA303) March 3, 2015
You are irreplaceable @BurtWatson4real thanks for always getting me hyped. Enjoy your future endeavors. @ufc pic.twitter.com/2FtY7rhAyO
— Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) March 3, 2015
@BurtWatson4real Idk if I can handle this news man! Can’t imagine fighting with out you there. Thanks for everything ! Enjoy the Fam!
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) March 3, 2015
@BurtWatson4real your the man Burt. You have done a great job.
— Tito Ortiz (@titoortiz) March 3, 2015
I wish you luck in all your future endeavors @BurtWatson4real. The fights won’t be the same without you
— Jim Miller (@JimMiller_155) March 3, 2015
I think @BurtWatson4real is probably the nicest dude I’ve ever met. Gonna miss you big guy. Best of luck in everything. #WEROLLIN
— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocicufc) March 3, 2015
.@BurtWatson4real won’t be the same w/o you. Thanks for the respect, wisdom & guidance you shared w/ fighters all these yrs. All the best
— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) March 3, 2015
@BurtWatson4real u will be sorely missed. Thank u for everything you’ve done & for making me feel like every 1 of my fights were special.
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) March 3, 2015
The 1 & only!! U will b missed brother”@BurtWatson4real: After 14 AMAZING YEARS I’ve decided to step aside thank U pic.twitter.com/Yh8yMIlM8T“
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) March 3, 2015
Going to miss you @BurtWatson4real I hope that all is well with you and wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) March 4, 2015
Super bummed to hear about @BurtWatson4real leaving the UFC. “It’s ALL about the experience” he told me before my last fight. Wise words.
— Josh Samman (@JoshSamman) March 3, 2015
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