Referee and Judges Confirmed in Khamzat Chimaev vs Nate Diaz in UFC 279

The Nevada State Athletic Commission has chosen the referee and judges for the upcoming UFC 279 main event between Khamzat Chimaev and Nate Diaz.

Also Read: UFC 279 to feature Nate Diaz vs. Khamzat Chimaev!

UFC 279: Referee

Chimaev and Diaz will fight in a five-round welterweight bout at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. With veteran referee Marc Goddard acting as the third man in the octagon.

Goddard is regarded as one of the best referees in the sport, after recently officiating UFC main events like:

• Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway 3

• Glover Teixeira vs. Jiri Prochazka

• Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje

Also Read: Dana White: Khamzat Chimaev favourite for title after UFC 279 win, but don’t count out Nate Diaz

UFC 279: Judges

The judges chosen by the commission are Ron McCarthy, Sal D’Amato, and Derek Cleary.

Also Read: Jorge Masvidal wouldn’t be surprised if Nate Diaz ‘stops’ Khamzat at UFC 279

Nate Diaz

There is only one fight left on Diaz’s current contract, so he wants to end things with the UFC. This brings about the welterweight showdown.

Since losing a decision to future UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards in June 2021, Diaz hasn’t competed. Since then, Diaz has been impatiently looking forward to the chance to test free agency. But he hasn’t been able to actually land a fight until now.

Even though it’s possible Diaz will re-sign with the UFC. The 37-year-old veteran has stated in interviews and on social media that he intends to leave the organization in order to test the open market for the first time since he first joined it in 2007 after winning The Ultimate Fighter season 5.

Also Read: “I think they f—ked up” – Leon Edwards does not critical of Diaz vs. Khamzat match-up at UFC 279

Khamzat Chimaev

As for Chimaev, the unbeaten Chechen will try to extend his winning streak after fighting Gilbert Burns for three rounds in his previous contest. Currently, Chimaev has a 11-0 record and a 5-0 career record in the UFC.