Exclusive Interview: Thomas Mastin (Referee)

I was able to steal a few minutes from Thomas “The Irish Assassin” Mastin today. Thomas first got into the fight game at Toad Holler in Des Moines. Thomas did well at Toad as an amateur fighter but slowly evolved into a referee. His first time as a referree was late 2002. Mastin continues to referee fights for the Midwest Cage Championship pro fights once a month and DMX (Des Moines Xtreme Fighting) amateur fights every Wednesday.

PhyteGuru: Being a referee is a tough job. You have to put up with early stoppages, late stoppages, and of course the crowd. Why continue to be a referee?

TM: I love it. It’s work, but it’s exposure for me and I’m doing what I love. There is nothing greater than two guys battling to see who is better. Oh, and not to mention I get to be on TV.

PhyteGuru: What is the best fight you’ve ever refereed?

TM: This is a really tough one because I’ve refereed so many fights. I’d have to go with Brian Green vs Mike Van Meer. The guys actually had bad blood before the fight and Van Meer was taking it to him before Green was able to sumbit him in the 3rd. Green was smiling through every punch even though you know he was hurt.

PhyteGuru: What is the biggest rule you have to enforce as a referee?

TM: Strikes to the back of the head for sure. This is one I warn them about in the pre-fight meeting, then again while they are in their corners right before the match starts. It’s a hard one though because a lot of guys turn their head into it because they don’t want to get punched in the face. I always keep a close eye on strikes to the back of the head.

PhyteGuru: Who do you look up to as far as other referees?

TM: Steve Mazzagatti. He does a really good job and doesn’t make a lot of mistakes. I’ve actually talked with him quite a bit for advise.

PhyteGuru: Are there any referees that you aren’t so fond of?

TM: Yves Levigne. I feel he’s made some really bad calls.

PhyteGuru: “Big” John McCarthy has “Let’s get it on, C’mon!” as his starting phrase. Have you coined yourself a fight opener yet?

TM: I usually just say, “Are you ready?, Are you ready? Lets go!”

PhyteGuru: As a referee, you need to know what kind of position your fighters are in. Do you train at any academies?

TM: I have had a handfull of fights myself, so I know what hurts and what doesn’t. I trained at the Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts Academy for quite a long time. I haven’t been going as much as I used to but I’d definitely like to get back. I learned a lot while I was there and have seen everything so I know what to expect.

PhyteGuru: Do you think knees to the head should be illegal or legal?

TM: They should be legal as long as they are not to the back of the head. A fight is a fight and knees should be considered a weapon just like the hands are.

PhyteGuru: Who are some local fighters we should keep an eye on?

TM: Demi “The Public Enemy” Deeds, TJ “The Spider” O’Brien, Timmy “The Psycho” Gorman, and Paul “The Gingerbread Man” Bird.

PhyteGuru: Who are your favorite fighters to watch?

TM: Matt Hughes, Jason “Mayhem” Miller, Jeremy “Lil’ Heathen” Stephens, Josh “The Dentist” Neer, “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler, and Drew McFedries

PhyteGuru: BJ Penn or Sean Sherk?

TM: Sherk for sure by a decision though

PhyteGuru: Thanks for taking a few minutes. Anyone you’d like to thank?

TM: I don’t have any sponsors at the moment, but if anyone is interested, please let me know!

Popularity: 87% [?]