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“Governing” the Ring
May 1, 2010

In the octagon, the audience is focused on the two competitors facing off. Every swift punch combo thrown is followed by anxious eyes. Points are allocated by judges on the sidelines, impact is assumed by spectators, and blow after blow is measured by each fighter’s body; however, the person who is closest to the action and critically examines it all is the referee.

A Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) referee has the primary duty of ensuring the safety of the competitors, according to the MMA Referee’s Code of Ethics. Each referee is required to strive for fairness, integrity, and uniformity in each match. With these standards in mind, qualifying to be an MMA referee involves a lengthy certification process. Each potential referee has to be familiar with a comprehensive database of basic MMA techniques. One also must be able to identify over 25 takedowns and 30 types of submissions, not to mention the countless positions and sweeps in any given fight.

Our very own Mr. Todd McGovern serves as an MMA referee. He began his competition career as a wrestler-turned-boxer in 1979, and in 2005, he joined the LINXX Academy of Martial Arts to grapple. Since then, he has developed an affinity for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai. His knowledge, passion, and respect for the arts qualify him to be a part of the competition that takes a much more meticulous approach than just a reaction to your opponent. He is required to advocate for both fighters simultaneously and impartially.

McGovern is certified through the Global Combat Alliance Amateur Sanctioning Body and the State of Virginia for MMA fights. He has entered the ring with prominent challengers from King of the Ring, Brawley, Barbarian, Spartyka and Team Predator. The Ultimate Fighting Championships, Ultimate Warrior Challenge, Elite Fighting Challenge, Modern Gladiators, and Operation Octagon top the list of promoters that McGovern has had the chance to represent.

“This is how I get my front row seat,” McGovern says.

During his four years of active refereeing for the MMA industry, McGovern has stood side by side with numerous champions. He notes the advantages of dedication and being multidimensional.

“A true champion is well rounded, all the way around. There is no part-time training if you expect to go anywhere—no weekend warriors. This is a lifestyle, and you have got to fight from the heart.”

McGovern continues to train on the mats at LINXX Academy as a four-stripe blue belt while he looks forward to contributing to the growth of the MMA industry. He plans to further his career by expanding around the world, but for now, he simply just enjoys every single round.