Why is Popular UFC Refree Marc Goddard Banned from Potential Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman Title Fight?

It sounds almost like a fairy tale, how Leon Edwards who walked in the gym when he was 16 years old with little knowledge of martial arts, and now so close to his title shot. And narrating his story is his first coach, referee Marc Goddard. Interestingly, Goddard, who owned the gym, later became one of the biggest names in the UFC.

Goddard himself has come a long way as a referee and a UFC personality. He has been the referee of the biggest of fights. In this interview, he shared his reasons for abstaining from refereeing Leon Edwards matches. The answer is truly emotional. His former coach doesn’t want his personal relationship with Edwards to get mixed with his professional responsibility.

When asked what Goddard felt about Edwards receiving his title shot, he said, “Yeah, good for him [Edwards]. You know, sadly…I’ll never referee Leon because we do yeah.. many years ago when he first walked in the gym that I was coaching that, was actually a part-owner of the gym. And he walked in as a young 16-year-old, beginning his journey.” 

Interestingly, on Edward’s journey, Mark said that he never expected Edwards to come this far.

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“He never had any martial arts experience. He was just a young athletic kid who wanted to come in and you know to make something from his life and obviously he tells the story much better than I do obviously,” said Goddard.

Leon Edwards wants to get his revenge by beating Kamaru Usman

‘Rocky’ has confirmed his chance to reign the Welterweight Championship. He can show the world his true brilliance by defeating not only the Welterweight but Pound4Pound king Kamaru Usman. Although in the past it was Usman who defeated Edwards, the future will decide both these champions’ fates.

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Edwards has come forward in an interview claiming that he will get his revenge on this title card. ‘Rocky’ feels ‘he is a totally new fighter, having worked on his wrestling and grappling game.” But like I said to go out there compete against him, beat him, win the world title its gonna be amazing I cannot wait,” said Edwards.

The light at the end of the tunnel is now visible for Leon Edwards. We are now only a few months away from the Usman-Edwards fight.

What is your prediction of this contest? Let us know in the comments below!