Big John McCarthy Breaks His Silence On UFC Retirement, Move To Bellator MMA

Veteran referee Big John McCarthy's role as UFC referee are officially over, as he enters into a new deal with Bellator MMA that will see him out of the cage, and in the commentator seat for the foreseeable future. One of the most trusted officials in Mixed Martial Arts today, is moving on, and doing so suddenly. Now, he reveals why. Breaking his silence on retiring as a referee, and signing on as a Bellator commentator, Big John explained, “It is always so hard to leave something you love, but I have always wanted to step away based on my terms rather than someone else’s. My goals are to work as hard as I can to meet the expectations everyone will have for me and to hopefully someday exceed them. “I cannot think of anyone I would rather be working with than Scott Coker. Scott has always been a person I admire because of his honesty, loyalty and love for the martial arts. I want to thank everyone from Bellator and Viacom for the trust you are bestowing upon me to keep the commentating of Bellator MMA at the highest levels of the sport.” Bellator MMA's full press release on the subject is enclosed below: Bellator is pleased to announce that it has come to an agreement with John McCarthy to serve as color commentator during broadcasts on the soon-to-launch Paramount Network, which kicks off with Bellator 192 on Saturday, January 20. "With the addition of 'Big' John to our broadcast team, we have put together the premier group of MMA commentators ahead of our Jan. 20 debut on the Paramount Network," Bellator President Scott Coker said. "With John and Chael providing analysis, you're getting two people who have spent more time in the cage than they have spent with a headset on, and that will translate to a positive viewing experience for Bellator fans." Over the past 20 years, "Big" John McCarthy has set the bar when it comes to officiating in MMA, a sport where he has overseen countless fights promoted by Bellator and other promotions all over the world, serving as the referee for some of the biggest bouts in the history of the sport. A former Los Angeles Police Officer, and a Self-Defense Instructor at the Los Angeles Police Academy, McCarthy is also the founder of "C.O.M.M.A.N.D.," a program that trains and certifies hopeful MMA referees and judges. McCarthy's regulatory work is equally as impressive, as he was a key figure in the writing of the sport's Unified Rules, which are recognized by the ABC and athletic commissions all across North America. Along with his broadcasting duties, the man behind the catchphrase "Let's get it on!" will also provide a unique level of first-hand insight to the plethora of original content produced by Bellator's digital team. "I first want to say how grateful I am for the opportunity I have been given to work with the incredible team Bellator has assembled. It is always so hard to leave something you love, but I have always wanted to step away based on my terms rather than someone else's. My goals are to work as hard as I can to meet the expectations everyone will have for me and to hopefully someday exceed them." McCarthy said. "I cannot think of anyone I would rather be working with than Scott Coker. Scott has always been a person I admire because of his honesty, loyalty and love for the martial arts. I want to thank everyone from Bellator and Viacom for the trust you are bestowing upon me to keep the commentating of Bellator MMA at the highest levels of the sport." In addition, Chael Sonnen has signed an extension to remain a part of select Bellator broadcasts, breaking down all the action alongside Bellator announcers Mike Goldberg and Mauro Ranallo. Chael Sonnen spent a majority of his 44-fight career with the UFC and WEC, a run that saw him defeat former middleweight champion Michael Bisping, and compete against the likes of Jon Jones, Anderson Silva (twice), Rashad Evans, "Shogun" Rua, Demian Maia and Brian Stann. In addition to his in-ring action, the West Linn, Ore. native has mastered the art of being in front of the camera, having done broadcast work for both ESPN and Fox Sports. Following a three-year hiatus from active MMA competition, Sonnen returned to the cage against Tito Ortiz at Bellator 170 in January and then went on to defeat Wanderlei Silva during the main event of Bellator: NYC. Bellator and the soon-to-launch Paramount Network open 2018 with a bang when Bellator 192: Lima vs. MacDonald emanates from The Forum in California on Jan. 20. Anchored by a welterweight world title fight featuring Douglas Lima defending his championship against Rory MacDonald, the blockbuster event also will see the aforementioned Chael Sonnen compete against "Rampage" Jackson in the opening contest of 2018's Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix.