Fuck I don’t even remember it’s been so long. I could be wrong on that belt level for sure, but he was legit training with the Gracies back then with the sheriffs department and wasn’t selected to fight because of it from what I remember.
Richard Fike is the worst Ref in history IMHO. What a clown this man is. The kind of guy that first meets you and kicks you in the nuts or tries to check you like he’s Steven Segal.
I agree that big John was terrible, and his takes on mma are often garbage. I can’t stand these refs that think it’s their job to admonish fighters and display their authority. Bro, you’re only doing this because you couldn’t make it in a red or blue corner.
Google him. He’s way more goofy. Even goofier mustache. “Warrior” is in his resume. action poses with knives. Horrific reffing/stoppages. I’ve seen all these refs in action at ringside or close enough.
I’ve met him many times and he reffed a fight I was in. After doing my best rampage impression on my opponent, then immediately transitioning into a strangle from dominant position, with the crowd cheering for it, he grabbed me and said “stand up!” “Let’s fight!, come on!” To save the hometown fighter. Who already had advantages.
BJM was on a bit of an ego trip, for certain. He lived in a weird space of auxiliary celebrity status that fed off the real stars: the fighters. He was a distraction at times.