Marc Goddard | UFC Referee

UFC Ref Marc Goddard joins us on the line for episode 131of Paddy Holohan’s No Shame Podcast. Not only is Marc one of the top officials in the game but his incredible work with IMMAF has helped to make the sport of MMA safer as a whole. Goddard also officiates for other MMA promotions such as Bellator & Cage Warriors.

In the latest instalment of our fight island series Marc gives us an update on what the whole experience has been like in Abu Dhabi from a referee’s perspective. Goddard has been officiating on the island over the last few weeks, he was ref for the main event at UFC 251 between Unman V Masvidal & took charge of the weekends action between Figueiredo & Benavidez 2. In a career stacked full of highlights, Marc admits that Fight Island will hold a special place in the memory vault.

Goddard has been officiating in the UFC for over 16 years & speaks of his admiration for Dana White after seeing the work the UFC president has put in behind the scenes on fight island. Marc believes that the Abu Dhabi location will be a regular fixture on the calendar for the foreseeable future & discusses the positive energy on location between staff & athletes.

Goddard is known for his control in the octagon & his level of professionalism has commanded the respect of some of the world’s top fighters. It’s no surprise given his previous career as a fighter with 14 professional fights under his belt. The BJJ black belt admits that refereeing & the feeling that comes with controlling high pressured situations is highly addictive.

Despite being part some of the biggest moments in UFC history, Goddard gets the most satisfaction from his work with IMMAF. Marc has been an instrumental figure for the grass routes level of the game, helping to pave the way for a new generation of fighters.

Also on this week’s episode Paddy & Marc discuss the 6th Anniversary of the legendary UFC Dublin Fight card at the Three Arena in 2014. Both men where present that night with Goddard officiating & Holohan kicking off events with a rear naked choke submission win over Josh Sampo. The UFC ref insists that in all his time in the sport, he’s never experienced an atmosphere like that night. He recalls Cathal Pendred’s comeback win over Mike King & the moment the crowd nearly lifted the roof off the building. By the time Conor delivered his iconic ‘We’re not here to take part’ speech after his dominant TKO stoppage over Diego Brandao, the event had already become MMA folklore.

When it comest to reviewing his performance, Goddard insists that he’s his own biggest critic, based off his track record, he’s a bloody good one at that.

“I’m married to this sport, I’m a human being, I’m not a robot, I’m not perfect, but I’ll give it all I’ve got every time you see me”

The full episode #131 of Paddy Holohan’s No Shame Podcast with Marc Goddard is available now across all the usual platforms.