Big John McCarthy Is Happy That Keith Kizer Stepped Down
News broke yesterday that Keith Kizer has stepped down as executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, and was met with a mixed response from MMA fans. Kizer had overseen many controversial matters including Vitor Belfort’s banishment from Las Vegas, as well as the Alistair Overeem roid-gate.
It wasn’t only fighters that Kizer could rub the wrong way, referee ‘Big’ John McCarthy was also among Kizer’s detractors. The long-time MMA/UFC officiator was declined when applying for his license to referee fights in Nevada, and the only reason given to him at the time was there wasn’t a need for him. Ouch.
Check out what Big John had to say on the matter via his twitter account:
Oh my, what a great day!!! LMMFAO !!!!!
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) January 11, 2014
McCarthy had briefly retired from refereeing after not being able to officiate in Nevada since 2007. Widely regarded as the best ref in the game, McCarthy may have a foot in the door with Kizer gone. McCarthy has often spoke about KK’s lack of knowledge about MMA, and given recent events I have to say I agree.
His last application, which was denied, to referee in Nevada was in 2009. I hope the best for McCarthy in the future as I think he is the best referee out there. Having officiated the old school of MMA, moving in to the newer generation; ‘BJM’ has been there and done it. Perhaps with Kizer’s absence we could see the long-awaited change in judging we have all been talking about for so long.
