‘Big’ John McCarthy on referee Dan Miragliotta’s controversial stand-up at UFC Vegas 123: ‘That’s not your job’
MMA Fighting • • sports
Key Points:
- At UFC Vegas 123, referee Dan Miragliotta controversially stood up Renato Moicano from back control against Tom Nolan, leading to Nolan's momentum shift and eventual third-round TKO victory.
- Veteran referee John McCarthy criticized Miragliotta's decision, emphasizing that back control is the most dominant position in MMA and should not be broken up unless there is clear stalling.
- McCarthy explained that fighters should be allowed to improve their positions and work toward a finish without premature stand-ups, as this interrupts the natural flow and fairness of the fight.
- McCarthy highlighted that the referee's job is to be fair and not to try to "make a bad fight good," and he believes Miragliotta's stand-up was unfair to Moicano, who was actively working toward a finish.
- Despite the criticism, McCarthy acknowledged Miragliotta as a respected official but stressed that referees must prioritize the integrity of the sport over other considerations during fights.
