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Marc Goddard has issued a series of statements and explanations regarding his officiating at UFC 235.
The veteran referee took to Twitter on Thursday to respond to some of the criticisms he has received for his work in the co-main event, a UFC welterweight title fight won by Kamaru Usman over Tyron Woodley.
In the tweets, Goddard addressed his controversial statement to Usman in the fourth round after standing up the fight with Usman in top position. Goddard told the then-challenger “It’s a fight.” Goddard wrote on Twitter that he was “wrong” for saying that.
“It was the wrong choice! I should have used different wording, no question,” Goddard wrote. “I have nothing but respect for Kamaru and his entire performance.”
5. My use of the words “it’s a fight” was NOT the correct wording to use at that point. It was the wrong choice! I should have used different wording, no question. I have nothing but respect for Kamaru and his entire performance. https://t.co/qTEpMMRAfr
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) March 7, 2019
He added that his “it’s a fight” statement was in response to Usman asking him why the fight was stood up. Goddard also wrote that there were only three separations and one stand up in the five-round fight, which Usman eventually won by unanimous decision.
Hi Luke, and firstly thank you. I will address in detail this weekend with @danhardymma but a couple of points of note before then.
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) March 7, 2019
1. It was a full 25 minute 5x5 fight. There was ONE single solitary stand up the whole entire fight. That came in the 4th round. https://t.co/qTEpMMRAfr
2. I don’t know where or how came the notion “multiple stand ups” (not from you it’s what I saw wrote)
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) March 7, 2019
3. There was a total of 3 separations the ENTIRE fight.
4. My use of the words “it’s a fight”!have been totally misconstrued. I only spoke in answer to Kamaru who asked why? https://t.co/qTEpMMRAfr
“Kamaru Usman fought an unbelievable fight & if my words “it’s a fight”’caused him of all people offence on the back of such an amazing performance then im [sic] truly sorry,” Goddard wrote. “My words at that time were wrong.”
6. My actions & words have been misconstrued & for that I can explain in full. Kamaru Usman fought an unbelievable fight & if my words “it’s a fight”’caused him of all people offence on the back of such an amazing performance then im truly sorry. My words at that time were wrong https://t.co/qTEpMMRAfr
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) March 7, 2019
Goddard received criticism from fans, media and even UFC play-by-play man Jon Anik following the Usman vs. Woodley fight, which took place March 2. After a back-and-forth about Goddard’s officiating, Anik tweeted that Goddard has and “arrogance with which you deal with the fighters, commentators and many in this sport.” Anik later apologized.
I always try to be respectful. We are just calling it like we see it, too. But there is an arrogance with which you deal with the fighters, commentators and many in this sport. And I find it offputting. One man’s take. And I’m quite sure you’ll give yours for everyone to hear.
— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) March 4, 2019
@marcgoddard_uk I know we've addressed it privately but publicly wanted to apologize for the personal insult. I respect you as a man, father, and professional and it's not my place to add to the noise, especially in that manner. Sometimes my passion is misdirected.
— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) March 4, 2019
Goddard closed his string of tweets writing that he has gotten “vile abuse” from those on social media following the fight and his wife and son have received the same.
7. I have received an unbelievable amount of messages, literally hundreds. Questions and disagreements I can ALWAYS deal with that goes with the job, but the vile abuse not so much. This happens to my wife & son too. https://t.co/qTEpMMRAfr
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) March 7, 2019
8. Hopefully when I speak it can go some way to offering up an explanation as to why I do what I do, and when.
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) March 7, 2019
9. Commiserations to Tyrone and respect & to Kamaru.
Thank you. https://t.co/qTEpMMRAfr
In closing I will continue to give my all to this sport. A referee makes decisions, not always popular, not always correct but please know I have devoted 20 years to MMA & ALL of its facets. Im far from perfect, I’m just like everyone else. Thanks. https://t.co/qTEpMMRAfr
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) March 7, 2019
“In closing I will continue to give my all to this sport,” Goddard said. “A referee makes decisions, not always popular, not always correct but please know I have devoted 20 years to MMA & ALL of its facets. Im far from perfect, I’m just like everyone else. Thanks.”
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