UFC Referee Marc Goddard has come forward to apologize for his call at the main event of UFC 252. Stipe Miocic poked Daniel Cormier in the eye, and the referee missed it.

At the main event of UFC 252, Stipe Miocic went up against Daniel Cormier in a clash for the world heavyweight championship. Set in Las Vegas at the UFC Apex Arena, UFC 252 was one hell of an event with a few controversial decisions taken in the main event.

The third round saw Miocic poke Cormier in his left eye. This poke resulted in Cormier losing sight in his left eye that didn’t return for the rest of the fight. This incident was certainly a major factor in Cormier’s loss.

ALSO READ- Dana White Compares Sean O’Malley To Robbie Lawler After UFC 252 Loss

Stipe Miocic clinched the victory and retained his belt at the end of 5 rounds via unanimous decision. It was later made clear that Cormier was seriously injured, and it was a missed call from the referee.

Acknowledging his shortcoming, referee Marc Goddard took to Twitter to issue an apology to Daniel Cormier and everyone else as well.

UFC referee issues an apology

He wrote, “I practice what I preach & as a man, I stand tall and head-on. If you accept plaudits then you must with mistakes too, that’s proof that you are listening, honest, & implore improvement. Rough with the smooth, acceptance, & ownership. Immediately after the fight when seeing the replay I apologised to Daniel & his team & I do so publicly & unreservedly for missing what I shouldn’t have – but I cannot call what I do not see. I don’t have replays & multiple angles, it’s a one-shot take in real-time. I cannot convey just how much I have both lived & loved this sport for the past 20 years. I truly appreciate all who understand.”

Cormier informed his cornermen about losing his eyesight during the fight and was later rushed to the hospital once the fight was over.

Goddard has been involved in a few similar events in the past. An altercation with UAE Warriors featherweight Ahmad Al Darmaki, and he was also subjected to a lot of criticism at the hands of Colby Covington.

An apology has been issued, and it seems like an honest mistake. Cormier did lose his last fight in the promotion, but that is part and parcel of the sport.