Hall of Famers

Marc Ratner

After arriving with his family in Las Vegas in 1957, Ratner graduated from Las Vegas High in 1962.  He attended Nevada Southern (now UNLV) and matriculated at the University of Nevada, Reno in 1966 with a degree in business management. 

From there, Ratner returned to Las Vegas to work in the family’s beauty and barber supply company.  In 1986, he became the business manager at KROL radio in Las Vegas and, a few years later, worked for R&R Advertising as a consultant.

In August of 1993, Ratner become the executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, the organization that administers the State laws and regulations governing unarmed combat for the protection of the public and to ensure the health and safety of the contestants.  During his tenure, Ratner has been ringside for numerous championship bouts, including two of the most bizarre incidents in the history of the sport.   He was present for both the “Fan Man” at Caesars Palace during 1993’s Bowe/Holyfield II and the Holyfield/Tyson “Bite Fight” at the MGM Grand in 1997.

Marc is currently the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

In addition to his work on the Commission, Ratner has served as the Commissioner of Officials for all high school sports in Southern Nevada for more than 10 years.  He has also served as a high school on-field football official since 1967 and a Division I-A football official since 1986, including the past six years with the Mountain West Conference.   He has now become an Instant Replay Official.

Away from athletic competition, Ratner looks forward to spending time with his family at their vacation home in beautiful Astoria, Oregon.

The Ratner File

Born: July 25, 1944
Claim to Fame: Ratner has served as an official in three collegiate bowl games: the 2003 Aloha Bowl, 2000 Independence Bowl and 2006 Cotton Bowl.
Family: Wife (Jody); three children: David, Mary and Heiden