MMA referee Marc Goddard has defined why he doesn’t participate in fights involving former UFC world champion Leon Edwards.
Proper now, Leon Edwards is at one thing of a crossroads in his blended martial arts profession. Whereas he would be the former king of the welterweight division, it looks like a very long time since that’s actually been the case. He has misplaced three on the bounce to Belal Muhammad, Sean Brady and Carlos Prates, with the latter of these two defeats coming through submission and knockout.
Somebody who is aware of a factor or two about being on the high of their career is Marc Goddard. He is likely one of the most revered referees within the sport, and he’s continually given the duty of refereeing huge fights, particularly within the Final Combating Championship. Nonetheless, that isn’t the case with regards to contests involving Leon Edwards.
In a recent interview, Goddard defined why precisely that’s the case with Leon Edwards particularly.
Marc Goddard on not refereeing Leon Edwards
“Individuals at all times say, ‘Why have you ever by no means reffed a Leon Edwards combat?’ Again after I was part-owner of a fitness center in Birmingham, Leon first walked in and he was a uncooked novice. That’s what makes what he’s accomplished so spectacular. The day he walked into the fitness center he had no martial arts expertise in any respect. He educated and located himself in a single place, turned a homegrown, homebred expertise.
“I used to be at that fitness center when he was a novice and an beginner, I coached and helped him in his early days, however I had nothing to do with him as an expert fighter. I left that fitness center shortly after and Leon went on to carve his personal path, however the connection continues to be there. From an expert and integrity standpoint, it’s important to observe what you preach. The simplest factor to do is simply not do his fights.”
“I’ve had fighters within the UFC who’ve fought fighters I’ve overwhelmed or been concerned with earlier than and I’m like, ‘I can’t do their combat both.’ Typically folks don’t understand that, significantly once we journey. The UFC will see the cardboard and ask us to reveal any potential points. The clever, extra mature head in me says if there’s a possible subject, don’t be concerned within the combat. That’s the simpler street.”
