Marc Goddard Explains His Late Stoppage at UFC 204

UFC referee Marc Goddard has explained himself after his delay in stopping the fight between Mike Perry and Danny Roberts at UFC 204. Perry hit a knee to knock Roberts down, but Goddard only stopped the fight after Perry landed some more shots following the knockout blow. Goddard has been criticized on social media for the late call. In a series of posts on Twitter, he wrote:

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

But know this. No one alive is more self critical, self analytical and a harsher reviewer of me than me. It's been a long time since

— 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, 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