Our Team

“Big” John McCarthy

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

  • Color commentator and member of the broadcast team for Bellator and PFL

  • Refereed thousands of bouts worldwide, including hundreds of Bellator and UFC bouts.

  • Refereed for various global organizations, including K-1, Strikeforce, Affliction, Bellator, King of the Cage, RIZIN, and others.

  • Over the past 30 years, has been a licensed Referee throughout the United States, Canada, and countries worldwide.

  • A key figure in drafting MMA's Unified Rules, recognized by ABC and Athletic Commissions nationwide in America.

  • Certified MMA Referee & Judging Instructor for the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC).

Recognitions

  • Awarded Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt in 2006.

  • Inducted into the Master's Hall of Fame in 2006 for “Outstanding Achievements in the Martial Arts.”

  • The first recipient of the 2008 World MMA Awards “Lifetime Achievement” accolade, voted on by the sport's top journalists, and the only person to win the award twice, winning the award again in 2018.

  • Awarded 2007 commendation by Senator James Battin for “Career Accomplishments” in MMA, “for the work done to increase the safety, visibility, and importance of Mixed Martial Arts.”

  • Awarded 2007 proclamation by the California State Athletic Commission for “Dedication and commitment to other officials in helping develop their skills and concern for athletes.” 

  • Awarded "Best Referee" award at the World MMA Awards three times; in 2015, 2016 and, 2017.

  • Author of “Let’s Get It On - Making of MMA and its Ultimate Referee.”

Jerin Valel

  • Former Professional MMA Fighter.

  • Refereed all over the world for various MMA promotions such as the UFC, Bellator/PFL, King of the Cage, RUFF, and MFC.

  • Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

  • Medaled & won various BJJ tournaments.

  • Competed as a wrestler for the University of Manitoba.

  • Competed in Kickboxing.

  • ABC certified as a Judge for both MMA and boxing.

  • ABC Certified as a MMA Referee.

  • Referee in Pro-Kickboxing.

  • Nine years work directly alongside Big John McCarthy, and became C.O.M.M.A.N.D.’s first Certified Instructor in August 2010.

  • Teaching MMA courses around the world as an industry expert.

Ron McCarthy

  • Professional MMA Judge since 2011.

  • One of the world's top 10 most active Judges, judging Championship and main event bouts for the UFC, Bellator, PFL, and other high-level organizations.

  • Judge for professional kickboxing and Muay Thai.

  • Lifelong immersion in the world of MMA.

  • BJJ blue belt.

  • ABC Certified as an MMA Judge.

  • Instructor for judging courses for C.O.M.M.A.N.D.

Jason Herzog

  • Professional Mixed Martial Arts referee since 2003.

  • Began refereeing in Tijuana, Mexico, when an opponent fell out at an event.  

  • Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

  • Brown Belt in Judo

  • One of the world's top 6 most active Referees. 

  • Has assisted in teaching Refs in the C.O.M.M.A.N.D. courses.