Referee Steve Mazzagatti talks about his background in mixed martial arts and much more. Check out what he had to say about what it's like being a referee.
PC: How is everything going Steve?
SM: Good. Staying busy.
PC: How did you become an official in the UFC?
SM: I've been in the martial arts since my teens. All types. I'm not a good fighter so I started training fighters till I had a family. I then looked at becoming a referee. That was 13 years ago. I started out reffing Muay Thai as that was my background. K-1 kickboxing came to Vegas back in the early 90's and in 2002, MMA came to town. It's nice being able to referee some of the best fights in the world, but understand, the referees you see on TV work for the Athletic commissions of the state that the show is in.
PC: Are you still an active firefighter and if so, is it difficult with all of the traveling you guys have to do now?
SM: I am still a firefighter for Clark County Fire in Las Vegas. I love it too. We work 24 on, 24 off so many of the shows fall on a day I'm off. If not, I take a vacation day or trade a shift. It works out pretty nice.
PC: The shows have tripled since MMA has taken off. Is that a good thing or bad thing for you?
SM: Referees want to referee so it's a good thing
PC: You're also allowed to officiate for other organizations. Do you think some of these other organizations have a good thing going on?
SM: It's all good. Referees want to referee and fighters want to fight. You need to start Somewhere.
PC: Who are some of your favorite fighters to watch?
SM: I don't think it would be right for me to say. I'm a referee. But I like a fighter that sells himself both in and out of the ring.
PC: What assignment were you given where it was a fight that you really wanted to get?
SM: Thats a stacked question. They're all good.
PC: The UFC has had some huge events. Which event do you feel like was the biggest to date?
SM: They're all big in there own way. I look foward to every show. Big or small.
PC: Big John McCarthy recently left the UFC. How much do you think his presence will be missed and do you still stay in touch with him?
SM: He moved on to bigger and better things and I know I will miss him. And yes, he is still my mentor. I talk to him often.
PC: Who do you think is the best mixed martial artist on the planet right now?
SM: You can never tell. In this sport, anything can happen and often does.
PC: If you could take one fighter with you in an alley fight, who would you take?
SM: Now come on. That would be my favorite fighter and I cant tell you.
PC: You said you have a background in martial arts?
SM: I've spent most of my time in Muay Thai, but I've tried just about everything. I love learning.
PC: What do you think of Kimbo Slice as a mixed martial artist?
SM: How can you not like a guy like Kimbo?
PC: You've been catching some heat lately for deducting that point from Brock Lesnar. Could you explain exactly what you saw and why you reacted the way you did?
SM: As a referee, I look for fouls. I'm not watching a fight. I have a job to do and that's what I did. I can understand the fans being bummed, having the action stopped, but it was what it was.
PC: Do you think Lesnar could make an impact in the Octagon?
SM: Are you kidding me? I'm glad I'm not fighting him.
PC: What was the greatest knockout you've seen in the Octagon that you can recall?
SM: Too many to list. They're all good in their own way
PC: Do you prefer the knockouts or submissions?
SM: Both. I like a good ground game as much as a knockdown, stand-up fight. This is MMA man.
PC: Did you ever think you would see MMA grow to be as big as it is today?
SM: I had faith. How could it not grow? It has everything in one and I sure am happy it has. I am happy to be a part of it. I dont see the growth ending any time soon.
PC: Thank you for your time Steve, you do a great job in that cage. Is there anything you would like to say in closing?
SM: It can only get better.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]