As anticipation builds for UFC 317 on June 28 in Las Vegas, Ilia Topuria will face Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight championship in a high-stakes bout during International Fight Week. The referee assigned to oversee this encounter is Marc Goddard, confirmed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission on June 20. This decision has stirred considerable debate among fans, particularly regarding concerns over potential early stoppages during this pivotal contest.
Given the reputation of both fighters as dangerous finishers, the referee’s role becomes even more critical. Oliveira is known for enduring punishing moments before staging remarkable comebacks, while Topuria possesses devastating knockout power that could end the fight abruptly. Fans are anxious about how Goddard will handle these dynamics in the octagon.
Background and Fan Concerns About Marc Goddard’s Officiating
Marc Goddard is a seasoned official with extensive experience in the UFC, frequently trusted with high-profile matches. Despite his credentials, he has faced criticism over his timing of stoppages, occasionally being blamed for ending fights either prematurely or too late. This history has fueled unease among fans eager to see a fair and accurate referee performance in such a critical title fight.
Social media reactions since Goddard’s appointment have been mixed, with some expressing relief and others skepticism. Comments range from acknowledging his professionalism to warning about an “early stoppage guaranteed.” One fan remarked,
“Isn’t Marc Goddard the worst one? I guess nobody will die though as long as it’s not Herb Dean,”
while another stated,
“Charles is cooked. Goddard will stop the fight the instant he gets dropped. He can’t even use his signature comeback.”
These messages illustrate the tension surrounding the official’s impact on the fight’s outcome.
In addition to Goddard, the judging panel includes Derek Cleary, Sal D’Amato, and Chris Lee. Herb Dean will referee the flyweight title co-main event between Alexander Pantoja and Kai Kara-France, another sign of the commission’s reliance on experienced officials for UFC 317.
Widespread Criticism Directed at Judge Sal D’Amato
While opinions about Goddard vary, the appointment of judge Sal D’Amato met near-unanimous disapproval. D’Amato has been involved in several contentious scorecards in recent UFC events, including main events decided by split decisions that many viewers and fighters felt were questionable. His role in awarding wins to Tatsuro Taira over Brandon Royval and Jack Hermansson over Sean Strickland remains particularly controversial.
Fan comments sharply criticized D’Amato’s judging, with statements such as “Sal D’Amato? Oh God,”
“How the hell does Sal D’Amato still have a job?”
and “Worst scoring in history.” The apprehension surrounding his presence on the panel adds another layer of tension as UFC 317 approaches.
The Implications of Officiating Choices on UFC 317’s Main Event
The referee and judging lineup will inevitably influence the fight dynamics between Topuria and Oliveira. Given Oliveira’s history of survival and comeback, concerns about premature stoppages by Goddard could shape how the bout unfolds, especially when Topuria lands significant strikes. Fans fear that an early intervention could deprive the audience of a full display of Oliveira’s resilience.
Similarly, the judges’ scoring may come under intense scrutiny if the fight goes the distance, as D’Amato’s track record has shown a tendency to generate debate and discontent. These officiating factors are now part of the narrative fans and analysts are watching closely ahead of the event.
The final refereeing and judging decisions at UFC 317 will not only impact the outcome of the vacant lightweight title but may also affect the credibility of officials and future appointments in the UFC.