By Nolan King December 20, 2021 8:30 pm
By Nolan King |
In the wake of a pandemic-ridden 2020, this past year was busy and booming not only for fighters, promoters, and coaches, but referees, as well.
2021 began with three consecutive events at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. From there, week after week of audience-less shows took place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
In April, however, things changed at UFC 261 in Jacksonville, Fla.: the first event held with a full arena of fans since March 2020. For the next six months, UFC Apex shows were interspersed with an occasional pay-per-view with full attendance. Two events, UFC 262 and UFC 265, were held in Houston. UFC 263 took place in Glendale, Ariz. After UFC 267 marked a return to Abu Dhabi, New York hosted UFC 268. Las Vegas hosted the rest of the 2021 schedule of pay-per-views.
Over the span of 12 months, the UFC promoted 43 events. During those shows, 20 referees were used. Below is a full list of every referee that officiated at least one UFC fight in 2021 (in alphabetical order by last name). The list does not include Dana White’s Contender Series fights. The data was calculated using leading MMA database Tapology:
Mike Beltran, Lukasz Bosacki, Herb Dean, James Folsom, Marc Goddard, Al Guinee, Kerry Hatley, Jason Herzog, Vyacheslav Kiselev, Yves Lavigne, Dan Miragliotta, Jacob Montalvo, Daniel Movahedi, Keith Peterson, Jeff Rexroad, Josh Rutgers, Mark Smith, Chris Tognoni, Jerin Valel
Which of those referees did the UFC use the most in 2021? Scroll through the list below to find out.
Apr 24, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Zhang Weili (Red Gloves) fights Rose Namajunas (Blue Gloves) during UFC 261 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Robbie Lawler is declared the winner by TKO against Nick Diaz during UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Talia Santos is declared the winner by decision against Roxanne Modafferi during UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Tai Tuivasa lands hits for a knockout victory against Greg Hardy during UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports Mark Smith
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 13: Eryk Anders and Darren Stewart of England react after referee Herb Dean declares their fight a no-contest due to an illegal knee during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on March 13, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Breaking, video, Featured, News, UFC
UFC 269 press conference faceoffs video: Intense staredowns between main card competitors
UFC 269 weigh-in results: One fighter heavy; Perez vs. Schnell canceled
UFC 269 weigh-in video: Charles Oliveira vs. Dustin Poirier lightweight title fight official
UFC· December 21, 2021 10:00 pm ET ·
Macy Chiasson did not have her usual coaches to help navigate her to victory at UFC Fight Night 199.
MMA Rankings· December 21, 2021 9:10 pm ET ·
There’s a new name to discuss in the UFC’s welterweight title picture: Belal Muhammad.
UFC· December 21, 2021 8:20 pm ET ·
With a bit of discipline, Mike Grundy thinks Darren Till can return to his original home.
News· December 21, 2021 7:25 pm ET ·
Jake Paul offers ‘$5 million guarantee, plus pay-per-view’ to Jorge Masvidal. ‘Gamebreed’ responds.
News· December 21, 2021 6:00 pm ET ·
Prominent MMA manager Jason House struck a plea deal with prosecutors in Nevada and avoided jail time after he was accused of assaulting his father earlier this year.
Blue Corner· December 21, 2021 5:20 pm ET ·
Tyron Woodley is having fun with everything after being knocked out cold by Jake Paul.
UFC· December 21, 2021 4:20 pm ET ·
Because of Aspen Ladd’s documented weight-cutting issues, all Miesha Tate can do is laugh when presented with the idea of a potential fight.
Bellator· December 21, 2021 3:30 pm ET ·
“Going out and beating a guy like him, that erases any questions about whether the guy belongs.”
UFC· December 21, 2021 2:40 pm ET ·
Diego Ferreira entered UFC Fight Night 199 with an already compromised rib.
News· December 21, 2021 1:50 pm ET ·
While the UFC may be on hiatus until mid-January, several members of the promotion’s roster will be in action on Dec. 30 in Philadelphia.
Thanks for signing up.
Please check your email for a confirmation.
Something went wrong.
Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox!
Please re-enter your email address.
You'll now receive the top MMA Junkie stories each day directly in your inbox.
Powered by WordPress VIP
Please enter an email address.
Thanks for signing up.
Please check your email for a confirmation.
Something went wrong.
COVID-19
Surviving The 2nd Wave of Corona
‘This too shall pass away’ this famous Persian adage seems to be defeating us again and again in the case of COVID-19. Despite every effort
May 13, 2021
