Well okay. Why would that be common knowledge? There's a bit of a dividing line between stupid and "only marginally interested in following MMA anymore"/hadn't really thought the matter of ref affiliation through.
Because its the exact same in boxing? Because if youve ever seen a non UFC MMA event in the states you'll notice alot of the same refs?
Beebs, I see you got pretty comfortable with that sig of yours. Did it become truthful by any chance?
Which is why Big John pushed to be able to stop the fight himself by UFC 3. Big John was not allowed to stop the fight in UFC 2. After Big John demanded the rule change, he was then allowed to stop fights in UFC 3, and every one after. In UFC 2, the fight could only be stopped by knockout, submission, or corner stoppage. Can't really blame McCarthy for that.
The only other American promotion I've seen any of is EliteXC, and I didn't recognize any officials on the couple of cards I watched. :conf