Daniel Movahedi: WFC head referee
Novelties just do not end this summer for the WFC. With all the changes in connection with rules, weigh-in’s and the introduction of the cage there is one fresh face that will be joining the organization as a head referee – Daniel Movahedi.
Being a referee is not the easiest job in MMA being always on the brink of late/early stoppages and not to mention between two men that want to finish each other off. Daniel seems to be handling it very well for the last 8 years though. And how does one decide to become an MMA referee?
″I kind of fell into refereeing. There was a show at The Scala in Kings Cross. They had a Thai boxing show and had 2 MMA amateur fights on the bill. At the time I was training at Team Titan, and they asked me if I'd like to ref on the show as they knew I'd been around, knew the training and what to expect. As it was just 2 amateur fights, I'm not saying the responsibility was less, but there was less to look out for and they were first time fighters as well. It was a good starting place for me.
From refereeing those two fights I fell in love with getting involved with refereeing. Over the past 8 years I have refereed on a number of other shows across the UK, and one or two in Europe. Amongst other events I currently referee on is BAMMA and I am looking forward to working with the team at WFC for the first time on August 27 in Austria.″
As mentioned Daniel had a solid background being a fighter himself so he kind of knew what to expect in the fighting arena. ″It’s not a must (that you are an ex-fighter) but it definitely helps. I still train and you can easier see where a fighter is going, what they are looking to achieve. I can see what submissions they are going for and so can position myself in the best place to see if the submission is on and tight and so ensure fighter safety.″
Fighter safety has always been the priority in the WFC and with the introduction of the unified MMA rules WFC is making even greater moves to secure that everyone’s safety is a primary concern. ″Most shows go by the unified MMA rules, obviously soccer kicks to a downed opponent have been removed, no stomping etc. WFC use to permit these tactics. Another change is that this event is going ahead in a cage. It’s a positive that WFC has agreed to put the unified rules in place. This is a major plus for the fighter and helps to continue to ensure their safety.″
The MMA is rich with diversity especially with fighting styles of the men that step in the cage. But referees are no different. Daniel spoke about his style of refereeing and what can fighters expect in the cage come August.
″All I worry about is fighter safety. How a fight ends is not up to me. I am purely looking to see that an opponent can continue, I warn fighters to defend themselves if they are in a precarious position and I go over what I am looking for with regards to intelligent defending in the rules talk. It’s important that all fighters and their corners are there for that. I don’t play advantages to people, being an ex-fighter I think I have a better idea than most as to what a body or fighter can take but it’s making those million quick decisions when fighters are in the cage. I’m looking at their eyes, their body language, how they are moving and if they are intelligently defending.″
Come see the man in charge in live action on August 27 in Austria when WFC returns with the inaugural 20th event with Savov vs. Lenogue as the main event.
Get a VIP treatment and join us for a night of first-class action.