Did you know that behind every thrilling UFC fight, there’s a referee whose decisions can make or break the moment? But here’s where it gets controversial: while fighters steal the spotlight, the referees who oversee these battles often remain unsung heroes—or, in some cases, targets of heated debates. Let’s dive into the world of the 11 referees who stepped into the octagon the most in 2025, and trust me, this is the part most people miss.
The UFC’s 2025 calendar has officially wrapped, and it’s been a whirlwind year. With 42 events spanning 10 U.S. states—California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, and Tennessee—and 11 international destinations, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, the action was non-stop. But it wasn’t just the fighters who were busy; the referees were in high demand too. Interestingly, the UFC employed 49 referees this year, a slight 2% dip from the 50 used in 2024. And this is where it gets even more intriguing: who were the referees trusted with the most fights, and what does that say about their role in the sport?
Below is the full list of referees who officiated at least one UFC fight in 2025, compiled using data from Tapology (https://www.tapology.com/). Note that this list excludes Dana White’s Contender Series, Road to UFC, and The Ultimate Fighter events:
Bruce Allen, Mike Beltran, Nick Berens, Lukasz Bosacki, Justin Brown, Mitch Cadlick, Patricio Carlos, Nick Cimmarusti, Gary Copeland, John Cooper, Herb Dean, Andrew Glenn, Marc Goddard, Blake Grice, Kerry Hatley, Jason Herzog, Chris Hill, Jeff Hobby, Luc Lefebvre, Horacio Lopez, Kevin MacDonald, Rob Madrigal, Bassel Mahgoub, Osiris Maia, Nate Mann, Brent McKeehan, Eric McMahon, Rich Mitchell, Dan Miragliotta, Jacob Montalvo, Daniel Movahedi, Gasper Oliver, Erick Philippeaux, Raul Porrata, Jimmy Neely, Steve Perceval, Jim Perdios, Keith Peterson, Sal Ram, Jeff Rexroad, Vitor Ribeiro, Tyrone Roberts, Fernando Salas, Joao Claudio Soares, Mark Smith, Zach Teiberis, Chris Tognoni, Frank Trigg, Matt Wynne.
Of these officials, nine oversaw a double-digit number of fights. So, who topped the list? Let’s break it down, starting from the bottom and working our way up.
11. Blake Grice (11 fights)
A seasoned referee and instructor, Blake Grice hit the double-digit mark in 2025, officiating fights in New York, Georgia, Tennessee, and California. His experience and consistency make him a reliable choice for the UFC.
10. Rich Mitchell (15 fights)
With over a decade of experience, Rich Mitchell is a global fixture in the UFC. Whether it’s the Middle East, France, or Australia, Mitchell is often the go-to referee when the UFC goes international. His versatility and expertise are unmatched.
9. Keith Peterson (19 fights)
One of the most recognizable faces in MMA officiating, Keith Peterson saw a notable drop in UFC assignments this year. However, he remains incredibly active, officiating nearly every weekend, primarily in the Northeast. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Is his reduced UFC workload a sign of shifting priorities, or simply a reflection of the sport’s evolving landscape?
8. Dan Miragliotta (20 fights)
A veteran of the game, Dan Miragliotta continues to be a trusted name in the octagon. With 20 UFC fights under his belt this year—plus numerous regional bouts—his experience and judgment are invaluable.
7. Kerry Hatley (32 fights)
Kerry Hatley’s workload has steadily increased year after year, especially since obtaining his Nevada license in 2023. His rise in the ranks is a testament to his skill and reliability.
6. Chris Tognoni (43 fights)
If you’ve tuned into a UFC Apex card, you’ve likely seen Chris Tognoni in action. A favorite in Nevada, he’s a regular on UFC broadcasts, particularly during the promotion’s home events. His consistency and presence are hard to ignore.
4. Mike Beltran & Mark Smith (44 fights - tie)
In a surprising twist, we have a tie for fourth place. Mike Beltran made a remarkable comeback after battling health issues, matching 2024 leader Mark Smith with 44 fights. But here’s where it gets controversial: does Beltran’s rapid return to form raise questions about the physical demands of refereeing, or is it a testament to his dedication?
3. Herb Dean (51 fights)
Even casual MMA fans know Herb Dean. A globetrotter who referees events big and small, Dean often gets the biggest assignments. In 2025, he officiated five UFC title fights, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s most trusted officials.
2. Jason Herzog (59 fights)
Jason Herzog has been a staple in the UFC for years, and 2025 was no exception. With four UFC title fights under his belt this year, he’s climbed from fourth place in 2024 to second place now. His steady rise is a testament to his skill and reliability.
1. Marc Goddard (60 fights)
Marc Goddard, long respected in Europe, has become one of the most trusted referees in MMA. In 2025, he officiated more fights than anyone else, including 10 UFC title fights. His role as a regulatory pioneer in the sport is undeniable. But here’s a question to ponder: As the sport grows, will we see more referees like Goddard stepping into the global spotlight, or will the landscape remain dominated by a select few?
What do you think? Are there referees you believe deserve more recognition, or do you have differing opinions on their performances? Let’s spark a conversation in the comments below!
