By all accounts, UFC 204 was one of the most exciting UFC fight cards of the year. One of those fights had an unfortunate end -- the late stoppage in the Danny Roberts/Mike Perry preliminary card fight.
Perry leveled Roberts with a knee strike in the third round, Roberts hit the ground and was cleared out. However, Goddard allowed Perry to nail the unconscious Roberts with several more blows before finally stepping in.
The late stoppage was a point of controversy amongst a lot of MMA fans, which prompted outcry from the MMA community. Marc Goddard made a statement on his official Twitter to talk about the whole situation, which you can see below.
I received a TON of messages last night. Many personal & insulting but I'm a big boy and it goes with the territory. Expected & accepted.
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) October 9, 2016
I've ever felt so reflective but in an emotional sport my hearts so invested & I make it my business to teach acceptance honesty & humility
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) October 9, 201
I've ever felt so reflective but in an emotional sport my hearts so invested & I make it my business to teach acceptance honesty & humility
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) October 9, 2016
So its in my life blood to look back. We deal with inches, seconds, heat beats & emotion so high I could never put it into words.
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) October 9, 2016
In 1000's upon 1000's of fights around the globe for more years than most my upmost priority, my heartfelt duty is to protect the fighters
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) October 9, 2016
Whilst never unduly robbing them such sacrifices they make I've been there on both ends. I love this sport more than I could put into words
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) October 9, 2016
And I would never shy away from something that, on any other night I'd have done differently. It breaks my heart to think a fighter has
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) October 9, 2016
Incurred even one shot they shouldn't have. This is such a world of could, should, would. It's not a game for everyone. It's unique.
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) October 9, 2016
The need for improvement, growth and acceptance remains continual - and I'll never stop giving these fighters what they truly deserve.
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) October 9, 2016
Last night presented me with an instance that in truth in any other night on earth I'm acting sooner and that's the truth. Thank you all.
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) October 9, 2016
Goddard is an experienced ref, who has gained praise for several stoppages in the past, namely from Frank Mir. Goddard also actively trains and competes in grappling.
