Marc Goddard, a seasoned MMA referee, has had significant experiences officiating Israel Adesanya’s fights and has addressed various critiques regarding his decisions.
One of the most memorable bouts Goddard officiated was the interim middleweight title fight between Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236 in 2019.
He described this match as the greatest he has ever overseen, highlighting the profound depths both fighters reached during the contest.
Goddard recalled the intense final moments, where despite calls to stop the fight, he allowed it to continue, believing both athletes deserved to finish.
Reflecting on the bout, he admitted to becoming emotional afterward, stating, “I won’t be ashamed to say I’ve cried after that fight. Watching it back, because it was ungodly what those guys did.”
Then, another notable instance, during Adesanya’s fight against Alex Pereira at UFC 281, Goddard faced criticism for stopping the bout in the fifth round, awarding Pereira a technical knockout victory.
Adesanya expressed dissatisfaction, feeling the stoppage was premature. Goddard defended his decision, emphasizing his responsibility to protect fighters.e noted that Adesanya had taken multiple unanswered shots, leading to the stoppage.
To maintain impartiality and uphold the integrity of officiating, Goddard chose not to officiate the rematch between Adesanya and Pereira at UFC 287.
He explained that his decision was to avoid any potential negative perceptions or biases, aiming to ensure fairness in the sport.
Throughout his career, Goddard has consistently emphasized the importance of fighter safety and the integrity of the sport.is decisions, whether in the heat of the moment or in retrospect, reflect his commitment to these principles, even when faced with criticism.