Legendary referee McCarthy retiring

**tsname** · Posted On: 12/11/2007 4:15am

There was no announcement of Big John's retirement during the finale, but I noticed that Mike Goldberg was neck deep in Big John's ass when referring to him.

**Dagon Akujin** · Posted On: 12/11/2007 12:28pm

I vote that January is "Big John Is Awesome Month". Seriously.

**Mix6APlix** · Posted On: 12/11/2007 9:02pm

Rock on Big John. If I were you, I'd stick with the UFC. Its so mainstream right now, even pornstars attend shows. How can you not want to milk that - no innuendo intended. But hey, at least he goes out on his shield by reffing a serious candidate for fight of the year, aye?

***jnp*** · Posted On: 12/11/2007 10:02pm

Originally Posted by Dagon Akujin

I vote that January is "Big John Is Awesome Month". Seriously.

Badass of the month maybe, considering his outstanding commitment to MMA and reffing?

**dogcatcher1** · Posted On: 12/18/2007 1:59pm

Ever since the Couture thing, I wonder about UFC being a bit too stingy -- they only paid Randy about $50k to be a color commentator. I don't know what they pay Rogan and Goldie, but since Rogan was making $1M a yr on Fear Factor, it is probably pretty fair. I think UFC is screwing up -- they should pay Big John well to be a commentator/interviewer and stay with the UFC- that would keep his "sizzle" factor from going to the Fight Network (wouldn't we watch Fight at least once just to hear Big John?). Come on, Lorenzo and Frank, lighten up and open your wallets -- you are no longer "one ring death away from bankruptcy".

**Askari** · Posted On: 12/18/2007 3:54pm

Originally Posted by Rudolph

1 terrible Ref in my opinion is Yves Lavigne.

I've met Yves and watched a lot of the fights he has cornered, I think he is a great ref. He takes the job very seriously and is a student and fan of the sport.

The issue you may have is more with the rules in Quebec that he has been required to referee under then with the man. The rules around standups and stoppages in Quebec are assanine at best. Pretty much a desire on the part of the commission there to have kickboxing with some takedowns. Might as well be sport Jiu-Jitsu for all that.