Former UFC referee discloses promotion tactic Dana White used to book a rematch

A former UFC referee recently disclosed a promotional tactic Dana White would use in order to book a rematch in the promotion and generate more attention. He noted that the referee would be put in a negative light but understood that as part of the industry.

The UFC CEO has been known for his unfiltered opinions and has not shied away from expressing that when he believes a fight has ended in controversial fashion.

White has notably sounded off on fighters being awarded decision wins despite the overwhelming fan opinion being the opposite. One of his most famous reactions for pushing for a rematch was when Georges St-Pierre earned a controversial split-decision win over Johnny Hendricks to retain his welterweight championship in 2013.

During his latest appearance on Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson's JAXXON PODCAST, former UFC referee 'Big' John McCarthy disclosed that taking aim at the referee or judges was a promotional technique. McCarthy mentioned that White would even give him a heads up as it would ensure a rematch for a fight:

"Dana [White] would come up and sit there and goes, 'Hey, that was a good call, but I'm gonna have to throw you under the bus'...It's like, okay, whatever...[He did it] so he can make the rematch. So he can say, 'In my opinion, that was controversial. We're gonna have to put that fight back together'. It just starts the whole thing...You know, everything's about promoting and I totally understand it."

Check out John McCarthy's comments regarding Dana White below:

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John McCarthy clears up misconception that a falling out with Dana White resulted in UFC exit

In addition to disclosing the tactic Dana White would use at times, former UFC referee John McCarthy cleared up the misconception that he had a falling out with him resulting in his exit from the promotion.

During the aforementioned appearance, McCarthy mentioned that he had been dealing with the effects of multiple neck surgeries and didn't want to put fighters at risk, so he decided to retire on his terms and become a commentator for Bellator:

"There's got to be a time for that person to leave...It's no different than a fighter. You have a responsibility to take care of that person and to be making a decision that is very fast and is correct. And if you are hesitant in that...that can affect their career and their life from that point on." [36:16]

Check out the full episode featuring former UFC referee 'Big' John McCarthy below: