McCarthy scheduled to officiate bouts at UFC on Versus 2

Famed referee "Big" John McCarthy will make his return to the UFC cage to officiate bouts for the first time since 2007 on Sunday when he is scheduled to referee at "UFC on Versus 2" at the San Diego Sports Arena in San Diego, Calif., his wife Elaine confirmed to MMAFighting.com.

McCarthy's wife Elaine confirmed to MMA Fighting that he has been assigned by the California State Athletic Commission to officiate matches at the event, which takes place on Sunday at the San Diego Sports Arena in San Diego, Calif.

Elaine McCarthy said he does not yet know what specific fights he will handle during the evening, and that he would not be providing any comments or interviews about his return prior to the event.

The report also notes that although McCarthy is scheduled, that is subject to change.

McCarthy returned to refereeing in Nov. 2008, but despite holding licenses in multiple states including California and Ohio, he was not given any officiating duties until now. In January, however, he was assigned to WEC 46 as a judge.

As to the possibility of any last-minute changes, promoters are able to protest referee assignments, but the final decision rests with the athletic commission.

Hopefully McCarthy does make it back to the cage, as it always is good to have another good referee overseeing bouts in the UFC.

SBN coverage of UFC on Versus 2: Jones vs. Matyushenko