Jon Anik vs. Referee Marc Goddard
The UFC’s head commentator Jon Anik is a consumate professional, which made it even more surprising when he got into a war of words on Twitter with UK referee Marc Goddard.
It began with Anik replied to a fan criticizing Goddard’s decision to stand up Kamaru Usman during his title bout with Tyron Woodley, and then tell him “it’s a fight” when he complained.
“Yes! Wildly inconsistent,” Anik said of Goddard’s refereeing. “And Usman was working his ass off.”
Goddard was quick to fire back at him though.
“The only thing wildly inconsistent is your and your co-comms recollection and observation of ACTUAL events,” Goddard blasted back.
With the gloves off, Anik then retaliated.
“I always try to be respectful. We are just calling it like we see it, too. But there is an arrogance with which you deal with the fighters, commentators and many in this sport. And I find it offputting. One man’s take. And I’m quite sure you’ll give yours for everyone to hear.”
Goddard later admitted he should have chosen his words more carefully to Usman during the fight, while Anik publicly apologized to Goddard after settling their differences behind the scenes.
