John McCarthy, the legendary combat sports referee, is making a surprising return to the octagon. After a seven-year hiatus from refereeing, McCarthy is back in the ring, bringing his expertise and passion to the sport he loves. But why the sudden change of heart? It's not just about the money, as McCarthy humorously points out. In an exclusive interview with MMA Junkie Radio, he reveals his true motivation.
McCarthy's decision to return to refereeing is driven by a deep-seated longing for the sport. He explains that his time away from the octagon was due to a serious neck injury, which required multiple surgeries. During his recovery, McCarthy realized that his passion for refereeing was still burning bright. He missed the thrill of being in the middle of the action, analyzing fights, and ensuring fair judging. As he puts it, 'I love active refereeing, I love the judging, and everything officiating.'
The former Bellator and PFL referee has already proven his prowess in the ring. Just this month, he refereed a Reality Fighting event in Connecticut and was recently offered a spot at a BKFC event in California. McCarthy's return to refereeing is a testament to his dedication and love for the sport. He's not just stepping back into the role; he's stepping back into the game with the same enthusiasm he had when he first started.
However, this means a few changes for McCarthy. He has decided to step away from his popular podcast, 'Weighing-In,' with former Bellator fighter Josh Thomson. The podcast, which focused on in-depth discussions about MMA, had to take a backseat to his refereeing duties. McCarthy explains, 'I had to step away because I can't do that and do the officiating correctly because you have to talk about people, and now I'm in that position. I'm not here to talk about fighters or fights or tell someone what I think they should do.'
As McCarthy returns to the refereeing world, he's embracing the challenge with open arms. He's determined to make the most of his remaining time in the sport, having fun, and setting a high standard for himself. With his expertise and passion, McCarthy is ready to take on the world of combat sports once again, leaving a lasting impact on the sport he loves.
