"I don't think it's going to happen, but I would like to see it" - Ex-UFC referee shares which rule he'd like to see legalized in MMA

The UFC implemented several rule changes in the latter part of 2024, most notably allowing 12-6 elbows and changing the definition of a downed opponent to remove hands from fitting the criteria. While the new rules drew plenty of praise from mixed martial arts fans, 'Big' John McCarthy recently shared one additional rule change he would like to see the promotion adapt.

Speaking to MMA Junkie Radio, the former UFC referee revealed that he hopes to see knees to the head of a downed opponent become legal, stating:

"I'm going to be honest, as a fan of the sport and even as an official, I look and say knees to the head to someone who's on the ground - not soccer kicks, that's different - but knees to the head of somebody on the ground could be effective in the fight. What it can do is it keeps the defensive fighter from putting themselves in positions that they could be attacked with a knee if it was legal, but they know that they can't, so they're utilizing rules to protect themselves instead of their skill sets."

McCarthy continued:

"When you sit there and you look at it and people go, 'well, that's terrible for the fighter'. What's the difference between being able to knee someone in the head when they're standing or if they're on the ground? There is no difference... I would love to see somebody kneed to the head. I don't think it's going to happen, but I would like to see it and I think it would be a good thing for the sport."

Check out John McCarthy's comments on the rule change he would like to see implemented below (starting at the 11:22 mark):

McCarthy argued that knees to the head would open the fight up and make things more exciting. He further added that he doesn't have a problem with soccer kicks and stomps being banned.

'Big' John McCarthy wants to see UFC add rules analyst to commentary team

'Big' John McCarthy serves as a rules analyst for the PFL. He recently revealed that he believes the UFC should bring someone on in the role.

Speaking to MMA Junkie Radio, the former UFC referee was asked if he would accept a similar position with the promotion. He responded, saying:

"Oh, absolutely. I don’t know if the UFC would want me, but yeah, I could do it with the UFC. And I’m being honest, I think it’s something the UFC needs. They have too many times that their commentators are unsure about what is going on or what should be done, and that’s not their fault. Their commentators are there to explain the ins and outs of fighting to the fans. To sit there and expect them to know all the rules and what the mechanics of the referee is and what they need - they can’t do that."

Check out 'Big' John McCarthy's comments on serving as a rules analyst for the UFC below (starting at the 3:06 mark):

McCarthy added that while the commentary crew has Din Thomas as a coach-analyst, they need someone to clear things up for the fans. He specifically pointed to moments where there is a stoppage or a foul. The former referee helped write the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts.