Being a UFC referee is an incredibly difficult job, especially when the stakes are as high as June 28.
In the main event of UFC 317, Ilia Topuria faces Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title in a blockbuster clash to cap off International Fight Week.
When two of the UFC’s most dangerous finishers go head-to-head, the third man in the Octagon will need to be on his toes.
This has been the case for many of Oliveira’s recent fights, where he often looks hurt and on the brink of being finished before he turns things around.
An opponent like Topuria, who carries huge power in his hands, may not give ‘Do Bronx’ this opportunity and after the officials were confirmed for UFC 317, fans had some concerns.
Fans have mixed reactions to Marc Goddard being announced as the referee for Ilia Topuria vs Charles Oliveira
On June 20, the Nevada State Athletic Commission confirmed that Marc Goddard will serve as the referee for the vacant lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira.
The bout will be judged by Derek Cleary, Sal D’Amato and Chris Lee, with three different judges taking on the co-main event with Herb Dean refereeing Alexander Pantoja vs Kai Kara-France for the flyweight belt.
Given his experience in refereeing high-level fights, with Goddard being a prominent figure in the UFC for some time, there’s an argument to be made that he’s the safest pair of hands possible for a fight like this.
That being said, like all officials, the Brit has received criticism from time to time for late or early stoppages which are incredibly hard to avoid on occasion.
After Goddard’s role was announced for UFC 317, fans reacted via social media with mixed responses to the news.
‘Isn’t Marc Goddard the worst one? I guess nobody will die though as long as it’s not Herb Dean.’
‘Better than Mario ‘if he dies, he dies’ Yamasaki’
‘Oh no. Early stoppage guaranteed. RIP’
‘Yeaaah Charles better be perfect that night to have any chance’
‘Yeaaah Charles better be perfect that night to have any chance’
‘One of the best in the BIZ !!!!!!’
‘Charles is cooked. Goddard will stop the fight the instant he gets dropped. He can’t even use his signature comeback.’
‘It’s certainly better than Herb [Dean], but would prefer [Jason] Herzog.’
The fan reaction was unanimous upon finding out about one of the judges for Topuria vs Oliveira
While fans had mixed responses to finding out that Marc Goddard will referee the main event of UFC 317, the reaction to one of the judges was consistent.
Though plenty of judges have come under fire for controversial scorecards, Sal D’Amato has been targeted more than most.
To name just two memorable examples, D’Amato was the reason that two main events went to split decisions after he had Tatsuro Taira beating Brandon Royval and Jack Hermansson coming out on top over Sean Strickland.
‘Sal D’Amato? Oh God.’
‘How the hell does Sal D’Amato still have a job?’
‘How does Sal D’Amato still get gigs? Worst scoring in history’