TORONTO – The Michael Page vs. Richard Kiely fight last month at Bellator Europe 4 could have been handled better by referee Dan Miragliotta, according to veteran official turned Bellator analyst John McCarthy. Speaking at a DAZN/Bellator event this week, McCarthy explained how MMA has the perfect counter-balance to trash talk. “The best part about fighting, you can say anything you want about me,” McCarthy said, before later adding: “Usually, it settles itself out because I get to punch you in the mouth. That’s a great equalizer.” McCarthy explained that things can get out of control if the referee allows himself to become emotionally involved in the matchup when insults are flying, as he discussed the situation that occurred during Page’s TKO win over Kiely.
Kiefer Crosbie honored by Conor McGregor’s support of SBG Ireland fighters at Bellator Dublin
October 1, 2019
Return of ‘The Fighting Irish’: How Bellator introduced us to next wave of MMA heroes
October 1, 2019
Triple Take: Bellator Dublin, UFC Copenhagen or Bellator 228? Which event won the weekend?
September 30, 2019
Michael Page, Dan Miragliotta, Richard Kiely avoid punishment for Bellator Dublin exchanges
September 30, 2019
Peter Queally describes dramatic comeback win at Bellator Europe 4: ‘I just refuse to be finished’
September 30, 2019
Bellator 227/Bellator Europe 4 reactions: Winning and losing fighters on social media
September 29, 2019
Bellator 227/Bellator Europe 4 post-event facts: ‘MVP’ racks up more stats with vicious KO
September 29, 2019
Bellator Europe 4 video highlights: Gallagher’s win, Page’s flying-knee KO thrill Irish fans
September 29, 2019
Video: James Gallagher on big Bellator Europe 4 win; what’s next
September 28, 2019
Michael ‘Venom’ Page: Ref Dan Miragliotta called me a ‘piece of (expletive)’ after fight
September 27, 2019
Bellator Dublin results: Benson Henderson earns unanimous decision over Myles Jury
September 27, 2019
Bellator Dublin results: ‘The Jimmy Show’ ends quick, James Gallagher taps Roman Salazar in seconds
September 27, 2019
Bellator Dublin results: ‘MVP’ drops point for mocking Richard Kiely, scores KO anyway
September 27, 2019
Peter Queally pulls off ‘Comeback of the Year’ contender in front of wild crowd at Bellator Europe 4
September 27, 2019
Bellator Dublin results: Benson Henderson vs. Myles Jury
September 27, 2019