Short but interesting story about Rob Hinds, an Illinois MMA ref who’s moving up to the ‘big leagues’ later this year when he’ll make his UFC officiating debut:

Rob Hinds has stepped into the cage to referee some big fights in his day. His biggest might still be to come, as he gets set to make his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut this year.

Hinds is a 38-year-old Plainfield resident who will ref his 2,600th fight — including about 100 kickboxing and MMA bouts in the Rockford area — the next time he steps into a cage. He started out as a fighter, specializing in Muay Thai kickboxing while building a 38-7-4 pro record back in the early ’90s. But he transitioned to ref, making the initial move in 1995.

“Not all fighters are good officials. It’s a different mindset,� said Hinds, who’s Combat Consulting Co., trains officials. “But I made the transition pretty smoothly. I always knew that when I was done fighting, I wanted to keep doing something to help the sport. This is a great way.�

No doubt Hinds will be able to ‘keep the peace’ in light of his experience and that impressive Muay Thai record.

Ref Hinds making the ‘ultimate’ move @ Rockford Register Star