John McCarthy

Referee

Birthday October 12, 1962

Birth Sign Libra

Birthplace Los Angeles, CA

Age 62 years old

#89,955 Most Popular

About

Mixed martial arts referee known as "Big" John McCarthy who helped write what would become the official rulebook for sanctioned MMA fights. He's primarily worked for the UFC, but is also licensed to officiate boxing matches.

Before Fame

He started working as an officer in the LAPD in 1985. His experience as a police officer, combined with his size, earned him the right to officiate UFC 2, his first of several hundred bouts with the promotion.

Trivia

He taught self-defense for the LAPD for more than 14 years, starting in 1993. He has a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and is known for saying "Let's get it on" at the start of fights.

Family Life

He and wife Elaine have three children, one of whom is also a police officer.

Associated With

He appeared alongside Bas Rutten in a music video for New Found Glory.