Read about the controversy surrounding the commentary at UFC Atlantic City, where Brendan Fitzgerald made a factual error regarding the regulation of MMA in New Jersey. Learn how “Big” John McCarthy corrected the mistake and highlighted the importance of accurate commentary in the MMA community.
| UFC Atlantic City’s commentary sparked controversy due to a factual error made by Brendan Fitzgerald.
| Fitzgerald claimed that New Jersey was the first state to regulate MMA, which was corrected by "Big" John McCarthy.
| McCarthy clarified that Mississippi and Iowa were among the states that regulated MMA before New Jersey.
| Accurate commentary is crucial in the MMA community, emphasizing the importance of thorough research.
| McCarthy, a retired referee, remains involved in MMA as a representative and commentator for the PFL.
UFC Atlantic City , held on March 30, 2024, featured a women’s Flyweight main event between Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot. However, the event was not without its share of controversy. UFC play-by-play commentator Brendan Fitzgerald made a factual error in his opening statement, claiming that New Jersey was the first state to regulate MMA. This statement did not sit well with the legendary figure in MMA officiating, "Big" John McCarthy.
In a video clip shared on Twitter, McCarthy expressed his displeasure with Fitzgerald’s mistake. He pointed out that several states had regulated MMA before New Jersey. McCarthy mentioned Mississippi as the first state to regulate MMA, with Billy Lyons serving as the commissioner. He also highlighted Iowa as another early adopter of MMA regulation.
McCarthy’s comments shed light on the importance of accurate commentary and the need for commentators to do their homework before making statements. Despite retiring from in-cage referee work, McCarthy continues to be an influential figure in the MMA community, representing and providing commentary for Bellator before its acquisition by the Professional Fighters League (PFL) last year.
Summary
- UFC Atlantic City ‘s commentary sparked controversy due to a factual error made by Brendan Fitzgerald.
- Fitzgerald claimed that New Jersey was the first state to regulate MMA, which was corrected by "Big" John McCarthy.
- McCarthy clarified that Mississippi and Iowa were among the states that regulated MMA before New Jersey.
- Accurate commentary is crucial in the MMA community, emphasizing the importance of thorough research.
- McCarthy, a retired referee, remains involved in MMA as a representative and commentator for the PFL.
