Top UFC referee Marc Goddard has revealed he will not officiate any fights involving former welterweight champion Leon Edwards, citing a personal history that he believes creates an unavoidable conflict of interest.
In a candid interview, Goddard explained that his decision stems from a professional integrity he has upheld throughout his career. “It’s about practising what you preach,” Goddard stated. “You have to have those boundaries.”
A Connection Dating Back to the Start
The roots of this decision go back to Edwards’ earliest days in the sport. Goddard first encountered ‘Rocky’ when the future champion was a novice training at a gym Goddard co-owned. He witnessed Edwards’ development firsthand, coaching and supporting him long before either man reached the UFC spotlight.
This long-standing connection is why Goddard proactively removes himself from the selection pool for any Edwards bout. “I’ve known Leon since he was a kid,” Goddard explained. “I coached him. To then be the third man in the cage when he’s fighting for a world title? It’s not right for me.”
Navigating Conflict in High-Stakes Officiating
Goddard’s stance highlights an often-overlooked aspect of UFC officiating: managing personal relationships in a tightly-knit combat sports community. The UFC’s operations team routinely vets referees for potential conflicts, but Goddard believes in full transparency and self-policing.
“The UFC are very good at it,” he noted regarding conflict checks. “But it’s also on us as individuals to put our hands up and say, ‘Listen, I’ve got history here.’” By opting out, Goddard ensures no perception of bias could ever cloud an Edwards fight result, protecting both the sport’s integrity and his own reputation.
Edwards’ Current Career Crossroads
Goddard’s principled stand comes at a challenging time for Edwards. The former champion is currently on a three-fight losing skid, a stark contrast to the reign that saw him dethrone Kamaru Usman. This downturn has placed Edwards at a career crossroads, intensifying the scrutiny around every aspect of his fights—including officiating.
For Goddard, watching from the sidelines is a professional necessity, not a personal choice. “It’s about the sport, the integrity of the title, and the fairness for both men in there,” he emphasised.
A Benchmark for Professionalism
Marc Goddard is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most respected officials. His decision regarding Edwards sets a clear benchmark for professionalism in MMA refereeing. It underscores a vital principle: that the authority of the third person in the cage must be beyond reproach, even if it means stepping aside from high-profile assignments.
As Leon Edwards works to rebuild his career, he’ll do so knowing that one of the sport’s most experienced eyes won’t be in charge of his bouts—a situation born not from dispute, but from a referee’s unwavering commitment to fairness.
