Marc Goddard has claimed that he would never officiate a fight that Leon Edwards is involved in due to their pre-existing connection, dating back years.
Marc Goddard Rules Out Refereeing Any Fight Including Leon Edwards
After appearing on the Overdogs Podcast, released this past Saturday, the experienced MMA referee clarified why he would never stand between “Rocky” and his opponents.
Goddard said: “Leon Edwards. You’ve never saw me referee Leon Edwards in the UFC, and you never will. Why? Because I was Leon Edwards’ first coach. MMA. Way, way, way back when he was just an amateur.
“When Leon first walked into that gym as a raw amateur, a raw novice with no experience. Now look at him, UFC welterweight champion of the world. But you’ve never saw me referee him and you never will, because we’ll just keep it, I don’t want any hassle. I don’t wanna be put in a predicament where I’m making a call that could go against him. So, it’s both ways.”
Finding himself under fire in the past for questionable calls during fights, Goddard has made an honest decision to rule out any future responsibilities which will tie him with Edwards.
Leon Edwards to Defend Welterweight Belt at UFC 304
Removing Goddard from the pool of referees that could officiate the UFC 304 main event. The man in the middle is yet to be confirmed.
Set to make his third title defence at welterweight, Edwards will face Belal Muhammad in a rematch on 27th July at the Co-op Live Arena, Manchester.
Their first meeting was stopped for a no-contest in the second round due to an accidental eye poke by Edwards in March 2021. However, no stone will be left unturned this time.
Edwards last tasted defeat back in 2015 when he met with Kamaru Usman for the first time. Meanwhile, Muhammad’s most recent loss was to Geoff Neal, just over five years ago.
Being two of the most in-form fighters at 170lbs, this matchup is guaranteed to bring fireworks.
