‘Big’ John McCarthy to Referee UFC on Fox 12, UFC 176 Main Events in California

John McCarthy is one of the most experienced officials in MMA. | Chris Dela Cruz/Sherdog.com

When the Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to California this summer, veteran referee John McCarthy will referee both of the promotion’s main events. Andy Foster , executive director of the California State Athletic Commission, recently revealed to Sherdog.com that McCarthy will serve as the third man in the Octagon for both the UFC on Fox 12 and UFC 176 headliners. Foster added that judges Mike Bell, Wade Vierra and Derek Cleary have also drawn main event assignments for both events.UFC on Fox 12 takes place July 26 at SAP Center in San Jose and will see Michael Johnson collide with Josh Thomson in a pivotal lightweight duel. A headliner has not yet been announced for the evening’s main card, which airs live on Fox and features a light heavyweight clash pitting Anthony Johnson against Antonio Rogerio Nogueira One week later, Staples Center in Los Angeles will house UFC 176, anchored by Jose Aldo ’s featherweight title rematch with Chad Mendes . That event airs live on pay-per-view and will additionally showcase a flyweight matchup between Jussier da Silva and Zach Makovsky Neither event’s fight card is complete, but here is the full list of officials who will be on duty when the UFC revisits The Golden State in the coming months:Referees:John McCarthyMike BeltranJason HerzogJudges:Wade VierraMike BellMarcos RosalesEd CollantesDerek ClearyReferees:John McCarthyHerb DeanJason HerzogStephen DavisJudges:Wade VierraMike BellMike BeltranRon McCarthyDerek Cleary