Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
One of the premier commentators for this sport working for Bellator on their broadcast team.
Refereed thousands of bouts worldwide, including hundreds of Bellator and UFC bouts.
Refereed for a diverse number of organizations globally including K-1 (Japan), Strikeforce, Affliction, Bellator, King of the Cage, RIZIN and a multitude of others.
Over the past 20 years, has been a licensed Referee in 21 states in addition to numerous Canadian provinces and countries throughout the world.
Key figure in the writing of the Unified Rules for the sport of MMA, which is recognized by the ABC and Athletic Commissions across North America.
Certified MMA Referee & Judging Instructor for the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC).
Conducted the first ever MMA Referee and Judges Instructional Training Seminar for the ABC at their annual conference and has continued teaching at these conferences on multiple occasions over the years.
Creator and Head Instructor of COMMAND - Certification of Officials for Mixed Martial Arts National Development, an internationally recognized (and ABC accredited) MMA Referee and Judging training school.
Conducts COMMAND Referee and Judging courses for regulatory bodies and Commissions worldwide.
Boxing
Licensed Referee and Judge under CSAC, and licensed Judge with NSAC.
Attended the ABC’s Boxing Referee and Judging Courses on multiple occasions throughout the years.
Refereed and Judged numerous amateur and professional boxing matches.
Refereed a WBC NABF World Championship.
Recognitions
Awarded Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt in 2006.
Opened Big John McCarthy’s Ultimate Training Academy, a 26,000 sq ft state of the art MMA training facility in 2006.
Inducted into the Masters Hall of Fame in 2006 for “Outstanding Achievements in the Martial Arts”.
First-ever recipient of the 2008 World MMA Awards “Lifetime Achievement” accolade, voted on by the sport's most prestigious journalists.
Awarded 2007 commendation by Senator James Battin for “Career Accomplishments” in MMA, “for the work done to increase the safety, visibility, and importance of Mixed Martial Arts”.
Awarded 2007 proclamation by the California State Athletic Commission for “dedication and commitment to other officials in helping developing their skills and concern for athletes”.
Awarded "Best Referee" 2016 World MMA Awards.
Facebook: Big John McCarthy
Recommended Book:
Lone Survivor - Marcus Luttrell
Recommended Movie:
Braveheart
Rocky
Recommended Documentary:
Beyond the Glory
Mask