Being a UFC referee is an incredibly difficult job, especially if the bet is as high as 28 June.
In the main event of UFC 317, Ilia Topuria faces Charles Oliveira for the empty lightweight title in a blockbuster collision to end the International Vechtweek.
When two of the most dangerous finishers of the UFC are against each other, the third man must be sharp in the Octagon.
This has been the case for many of the recent battles of Oliveira, where he often looks hurt and at the point that he is ready before he turns things around.
An opponent such as Topuria, who carries enormous power in his hands, may not give this opportunity 'Do Bronx' and after the officials were confirmed for UFC 317, fans were concerned.
Fans have mixed reactions to Marc Goddard announced as the referee for Ilia Topuria vs Charles Oliveira
On June 20, the Nevada State Athletic Commission confirmed that Marc Goddard will serve as the referee for the empty lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira.
The competition is assessed by Derek Cleary, Sal d'Amato and Chris Lee, with three different jury members the Co-Main event with Herb Dean that take Alexander Pantoja vs Kai Kara-France for the flight weight belt.
Given his experience in referee fights at a high level, where Goddard has been a prominent figure in the UFC for some time, there is an argument that he is the safest pair of hands for a fight like this.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty images
That said, just like all officials, the Brit has been criticized from time to time for late or early stop settings that are occasionally incredibly difficult to avoid.
After the role of Goddard was announced for UFC 317, fans responded via social media with mixed reactions to the news.
“Is Marc Goddard not the worst? However, I think nobody will die as long as it is not a herb dean. '
'Better than Mario' If he dies, he dies 'Yamasaki'
“Oh no. Early interruption guaranteed. TEAR'
'Yeaaah Charles should be perfect that night to have a chance'
'Yeaaah Charles should be perfect that night to have a chance'
“One of the best in the BIZ !!!!!!”
“Charles is cooked. Goddard will stop the fight as soon as it is fallen. He can't even use his characteristic comeback. '
'It's certainly better than herb [Dean]But would rather [Jason] Herzog. '
🚨Marc Goddard was selected by the NSAC to fight the Ilia Topuria vs Charles Oliveira on #UFC317 in Referee.
With judges: Derek Cleary, Sal d'Amato and Chris Lee. pic.twitter.com/v2ixlgehn9
– Devy🔌 (@dovysimuma) June 20, 2025
View tweet
The fan reaction was unanimous in discovering one of the jury members for Topuria vs Oliveira
Although fans had mixed reactions to find out that Marc Goddard will be the most important event of UFC 317, the reaction to one of the judges was consistent.
Although many judges have come under fire for controversial score cards, Sal d'Amato is more focused than most.
To name only two memorable examples, d'Amato was the reason that two main events to split decisions after he had defeated Tatsuro Taira Brandon Royval and Jack Hermansson on top of Sean Strickland.
“Sal d'Amato? Oh God. '
“How on earth does Sal d'Amato still have a job?”
'How does Sal d'Amato still get performances? Worst score in history '