Marc Goddard, one of the best referees in the world of professional MMA, is leading the charge to make IMMAF an outstanding reference in the field of regulatory governance.
Marc has become an icon of the sport after working exclusively in MMA for 20 years – 16 of which as an official. He has been the referee at world title fights for UFC in front of 60,000 people and many other high-profile bouts across the world (but was also a promoter, coach and athlete before that). He was nominated again on Thursday for Best Referee Award in the annual, flagship Fighters Only World MMA Awards.
In 2011, Marc was part of the founding team for UK based charity, Safe MMA, which set the first medical standard for MMA in the region and became a trustee in 2018. He has become integral to the development of amateur MMA through his work with IMMAF as Director of Regulatory Affairs since 2012. He also stands as President of the newly created English Mixed Martial Arts Association.
"The future of our sport and the portrayal and perception of it remains so important to me," said Marc. "The effect that officials and the entire subject of regulatory affairs has is a crucial element in seeing and realising that goal fulfilled."
The primary role of the Regulatory Affairs Commission, which is composed of an international group of outstanding officials from every part of the world, is to develop universal protocol for safe, amateur MMA competition.
But the importance of the regulatory aspect of the sport means that the Regulatory Commission is involved in virtually every aspect of the sport, from developing new rules and regulations, providing technical and safety guidelines for the sport as well as progression pathways and education for officials.
The commission also provides guidance for member federations involved in professional event sanctioning under the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts but is also closely involved in other policy discussions, such as the development of an IMMAF policy for transgender competition and technical matters such as the development of the "perfect competition cage".
"It is my duty that everyone involved in this area employs the highest of standards and integrity," said Marc. "You are what you do and leading from the front with that always in mind shall stand us in the strongest of steads."
IMMAF Regulatory Commission 2019-23
Chairman: Marc Goddard
Guillaume Bravo
Asse Hokkanen
Peter Hickmott
Maria Makhmutova
Clemens Werner
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