More details have emerged in the case of Big John McCarthy’s signing with Bellator MMA, and now it’s been confirmed that the veteran referee has indeed retired from his usual 9-5 gig.
The longtime staple of high-profile UFC fights, and the most trusted official in the game has officially retired, and will take up new duties as Bellator’s new ringside commentator.
ESPN broke the news just moments ago:
Bellator president Scott Coker confirms via text John McCarthy is “retiring from officiating.”
Bellator president Scott Coker confirms via text John McCarthy is "retiring from officiating."
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) January 9, 2018
MMAImports.com was first to report of Big John’s Bellator MMA signing:
One of the most recognizable figures In Mixed Martial Arts today, veteran referee “Big” John McCarthy has signed a new deal with Bellator MMA.
This new deal puts him out of the cage and into the commentator slot, that was recently left vacant after the Viacom owned promotion got rid of Jimmy Smith, their longtime commentator.
Stay tuned for further developments, and please share your thoughts on these sudden changes in comments.
