UAE Warriors fighter shoves veteran UFC referee Marc Goddard after DQ for holding submission too long
- Goddard gets in heated exchange with Ahmad Al Damarki after the Abu Dhabi-based fighter refuses to let go of rear-naked choke
- ‘All in a day’s work, man am I ready for home!’ tweets Goddard
MMA referee Marc Goddard disqualified a fighter at UAE Warriors 12 for holding a submission on too long and then arguing with him and shoving him in an ugly post-fight physical confrontation.
Ahmad Al Damarki was DQ’d after he refused to release a rear-naked choke against Bogdan Kirilinko on Friday night at Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi.
He had secured the choke deep near the end of round one, but reacted angrily as Goddard – one of the most respected referees in the sport with over 20 years of experience, who frequently officiates for the UFC – tried to forcibly peel his arm off his unconscious opponent.
Al Damarki got to his feet and pushed British ref Goddard several times as they exchanged heated words before the fighters’ corners ran into the cage to help separate them.
Al Damarki later apologised but Kirilenko was announced as the winner.
“All in a day’s work!” tweeted Goddard, who had officiated bouts on UFC Fight Island in Abu Dhabi over the last few weeks.
“Man, am I ready for home! I love the UAE, and its people. God bless.”
