Kamaru Usman’s unanimous decision defeat of long-time UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley was a performance to remember. Unfortunately, lots of the after talk have involved the normally outstanding referee Marc Goddard who have been criticized for some of his decision.
The co-main event of UFC 235 was a fight many people had been waiting for. To finally see a proper test for the former Champion Tyron Woodley when he was facing the challenger Kamaru Usman. After a convincing victory after 5 rounds, many fans and even public personalities such as Jon Anik, they UFC commentator have been really harsh to one of the top referees in the game, Marc Goddard. Below you will see some of the Tweets between them and some explanation from Goddard.
5. My use of the words “it’s a fight” was NOT the correct wording to use at that point. It was the wrong choice! I should have used different wording, no question. I have nothing but respect for Kamaru and his entire performance. https://t.co/qTEpMMRAfr
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) March 7, 2019
Hi Luke, and firstly thank you. I will address in detail this weekend with @danhardymma but a couple of points of note before then.
1. It was a full 25 minute 5×5 fight. There was ONE single solitary stand up the whole entire fight. That came in the 4th round. https://t.co/qTEpMMRAfr
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) March 7, 2019
2. I don’t know where or how came the notion “multiple stand ups” (not from you it’s what I saw wrote)
3. There was a total of 3 separations the ENTIRE fight.
4. My use of the words “it’s a fight”!have been totally misconstrued. I only spoke in answer to Kamaru who asked why? https://t.co/qTEpMMRAfr— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) March 7, 2019
6. My actions & words have been misconstrued & for that I can explain in full. Kamaru Usman fought an unbelievable fight & if my words “it’s a fight”’caused him of all people offence on the back of such an amazing performance then im truly sorry. My words at that time were wrong https://t.co/qTEpMMRAfr
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) March 7, 2019
I always try to be respectful. We are just calling it like we see it, too. But there is an arrogance with which you deal with the fighters, commentators and many in this sport. And I find it offputting. One man’s take. And I’m quite sure you’ll give yours for everyone to hear.
— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) March 4, 2019
@marcgoddard_uk I know we've addressed it privately but publicly wanted to apologize for the personal insult. I respect you as a man, father, and professional and it's not my place to add to the noise, especially in that manner. Sometimes my passion is misdirected.
— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) March 4, 2019
7. I have received an unbelievable amount of messages, literally hundreds. Questions and disagreements I can ALWAYS deal with that goes with the job, but the vile abuse not so much. This happens to my wife & son too. https://t.co/qTEpMMRAfr
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) March 7, 2019
8. Hopefully when I speak it can go some way to offering up an explanation as to why I do what I do, and when.
9. Commiserations to Tyrone and respect & to Kamaru.Thank you. https://t.co/qTEpMMRAfr
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) March 7, 2019
In closing I will continue to give my all to this sport. A referee makes decisions, not always popular, not always correct but please know I have devoted 20 years to MMA & ALL of its facets. Im far from perfect, I’m just like everyone else. Thanks. https://t.co/qTEpMMRAfr
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) March 7, 2019
