UFC referees hold a crucial responsibility on fight night: ensuring the safety of the fighters. Ideally, a referee’s effectiveness is reflected in their invisibility; they should only be acknowledged for exceptional performance, such as identifying an eye poke, halting a fighter from taking unnecessary damage, or noticing details that escape the viewers at home.
However, incidents of referee errors have become more common, bringing them into the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
UFC President Dana White is known for making swift decisions regarding referees, having previously dismissed figures like Steve Mazzagatti and Mario Yamasaki. In this piece, we examine referees who have held onto their positions despite scrutiny.
UFC Referees – Rankings
We will evaluate referees such as Mark Smith, Marc Goddard, Mike Beltran, Herb Dean, Jason Herzog, Dan Miragliotta, Keith Peterson, and Chris Tognoni.
Rankings will be categorized as A*, A, B, or F, with A* referring to top-tier referees, A indicating solid choices for main events, B showcasing those good but error-prone, and F designating referees who require further training.
Let’s dive in!
A* Referees
Marc Goddard and Jason Herzog
Currently, the only referees in the A* category are Marc Goddard and Jason Herzog. Their remarkable performance stems from their ability to perform their roles effectively.
Marc Goddard stands out for his authoritative presence and effective communication with fighters throughout their matches. He is clear and commands respect, making sure that nothing happens without his input.
While he’s not immune to criticism, such as accusations of early stoppages, Goddard’s proactive approach is generally seen as a plus. For example, he stopped Cedric Doumbé’s fight due to a toe injury, but his intent was to ensure fighters’ safety.
Jason Herzog is equally dependable. In tense situations, he stays calm and follows the rules, ultimately making sensible decisions. Though he too has made mistakes, he is open about them and continuously seeks improvement.
A Referees
Mike Beltran, Herb Dean, Mark Smith
Next, we consider referees rated A, who can be trusted for significant events, albeit with some reservations. Mike Beltran, known for his no-nonsense demeanor, generally performs well but has faced criticism for specific calls, like allowing Drew Dober to take excessive damage before intervening.
Herb Dean, another prominent name, has a solid background in MMA, allowing him to understand the fighters’ perspectives. He has made both commendable calls and critical errors, such as during the fight between Khalid Murtazaliev and CB Dollaway, where he allowed Dollaway to sustain substantial damage.
Mark Smith had previously been considered almost A* but has raised concerns after a questionable stoppage in a recent bout, leading to uncertainty about his reliability.
B Tier Referees
Keith Peterson and Chris Tognoni
Referees in the B tier are occasionally assigned main events but typically are not trusted for the biggest fights. Keith Peterson attracted controversy for allegedly showing up smelling of cigarettes and alcohol, which contributed to doubts regarding his competence. His handling of fouls in key matches has led to complaints, limiting his opportunities for major events.
Chris Tognoni, while not a poor referee, struggles with authority and often positions himself too far from the action. His lack of attentiveness led to missed opportunities to intervene effectively in critical moments.
F Tier – Poor Performance
Dan Miragliotta
The F tier is designated for the highly criticized Dan Miragliotta. Despite his presence, Miragliotta has made numerous egregious errors, such as mishandling a low blow incident in a recent match and confusing the end of a round with a fight stoppage. His inconsistent performance has earned him a reputation as one of the least competent referees in UFC history.
