Former UFC referee John McCarthy has revealed the reasons behind his decision to no longer officiate UFC events, according to a report from Last Word on Sports published on November 6, 2026. McCarthy, widely regarded as one of the most recognizable referees in mixed martial arts history, was photographed at UFC 182 during his active career. The article by Kshitiz Kumar Singh Bishop Lister details McCarthy's explanation for stepping away from the Octagon in an official capacity.
Big John McCarthy Explains Departure from UFC Officiating Role
