SUMMARY
- In a recent podcast with Josh Thomson, UFC referee John McCarthy shared his insights on the changes at UFC 300.
- John McCarthy particularly mentioned the current ground rule, which he believes could see some changes.
The UFC has evolved by leaps and bounds since its initial foundation in 1993. The American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion has seen a lot of changes come into the picture, from bare-knuckle fighting with minimal rules, including no weight classes, no time limits, and no judges. This has allowed the organization to grow as well as become more acceptable to a wider audience.
In the last 30 years, it has become the most well-known promotion in combat sports, serving elite athletes from all over the globe. Although there is still a long road to go, they seem to be on the right path to get there. The promotion kicked off with the tagline, “There are no rules”. Even though certain regulations were associated, including no doping probes, no biting, eye-gouging, or groin shots.
In a recent podcast with Josh Thomson, UFC referee John McCarthy shared his insights on the topic. He stated, “There are all kinds of things that need to be changed and I think you will be seeing changes to the rules, coming up this year”. Clarifying that viewers might see changes coming to the rules as the association of boxing commissions and combative sports have been in discussion.
What is the UFC grounded fighter rule and how does it affect the fight?
Further highlighted in the same interview with Josh Thomson, John McCarthy particularly mentioned the current ground rule, which he believes could see some changes. So what is this grounded fighter rule that John mentions here?
Petr Yan apologized to Aljamain Sterling for his “big mistake,” an illegal knee that cost him his belt at #UFC259
(via @PetrYanUFC) pic.twitter.com/9CTudi2EHI
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 7, 2021
According to the rule, a single knee and arm qualify the fighter to be considered grounded without having to have any other body part in contact with the fighting area floor. At this time, kicks or knees to the head will not be allowed. This particularly limits the offense for strikers and serves to limit them in their approach and game plan.
Later, this was changed to the knee, leg, palms of both hands or the entirety of both fists. This committed the fighter to being more grounded, although it doesn’t favor the strikers, who have to adapt to the rule. Many believe the knees should be allowed even in a grounded position to give the fighters an equal advantage and avoid gaps in between fights.
What changes can happen at UFC 300?
Apart from the grounded rule, what else are the changes the fans could see at the historic UFC 300 event in April? Some of the speculations may include
Open scoring with a more flexible 10-point system – This will allow a better parameter for scoring among the judges. In recent years, the UFC has faced criticism based on the judges’ scoring decisions, which many fans and analysts found absurd. Even UFC president Dana White is often seen unhappy with the calls made and could as well initiate a change for the same.
Point deductions for fouls and any foul play – UFC referees are often seen as more tolerant when it comes to fouls and unfair tactics used by a UFC fighter. Not only does this cause harm to an opponent, but it could also disrupt the flow and overall match outcome. The authority should be allowed or encouraged to make hard calls in the form of point deductions to prevent the same.
Eye Poke! 😥
Leon Edwards vs Belal Muhammad ruled a No Contest at #UFCVegas21 pic.twitter.com/3AegQ0AX5q
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 14, 2021
Modification of UFC’s gloves to prevent eye pokes – This could be a major improvement in preventing eye injuries and fatal consequences. Some UFC fighters are seen using the eye poke tactic on purpose to damage their opponent’s vision and break their offense.