VIA [WIKIPEDIA] John McCarthy is the ‘Octagon’s ninth side’, is the first head referee for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, a retired Los Angeles Police Officer, and a Tactical Self-Defense Instructor at the Los Angeles Police Academy. He formerly provided commentary and analysis for The Fight Network’s coverage of UFC events. He also provided commentary for Affliction: Banned, the first MMA event co-produced by Affliction Clothing and Adrenaline MMA. He has served as head referee for hundreds of bouts in major MMA promotions dating back to 1993.[1] He is also the founder of C.O.M.M.A.N.D., the training and certification school for MMA referees and judges. He also referees in Bellator, and is a qualified boxing referee
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