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It's time to talk about the state of MMA
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10.09.2020 | 1:05 PM ET
Given the current state of MMA and the global coronavirus pandemic, UFC's Fight Island has opened up the possibilities for a shift in how a fight is now showcased. Less regulations and oversight is the key. A fighter wants to fight, their end goal is the championship. Gloves and limits to what techniques a fighter can implement inside of the octagon can sometimes lead to boring fights. This becomes obvious when the strategies utilized are simply a clear manipulation of the rules. Lay and pray, or the 3 round stare down and jab at air strategies come to mind. While the ones who implement tbe strategies are the victor, they leave the fans disgusted and put off from the sport/art of MMA. While we as fans have great and exciting fighters and big name superstars who are always exciting. These fighters are few and far between.
I believe changes in the rules are necessary in order to avoid boring matches or at least a quicker way to end fights. So without further ado some rule changes and why they would make MMA more exciting.
Rule 1: No rounds/no time limits
Fighters should not have a victory snatched from them when in the middle of achieving a knockout or submission by a bell. No rounds and no time limits would nullify such a scenario while granting true victory to the winner
Rule 2: Gloves should be optional/and any weight
Fighters should be able to pick the tools they and their coaches determine would lead them to victory. Maybe fighters don't want gloves because their opponent keeps grabbing them, maybe they want them because gloves allow for better grip. This rule is designed to give fighters more agency in their strategies while creating new strategies to combat gloveless or gloved fighters.
Rule 3: no chainlink fence/ring ropes/ring out
Fighters fight, that's what they train to do. But as noted before, lay and pray is an effective strategy which utilizes the cage and corners of an octagon or ring effectively neutralizing an opponent while neutralizing the interest of the fans. This is why no barriers should be had while implementing a ring out rule. This would require fighters who utilize a lay and pray style or a dodge and counter strategy to keep the action in the center or risk losing tbe match due to a ring out. In the event of a lay and pray situation where both fighters find themselves outside of the ring, they both lose. This will eliminate the boring aspect of a lay and pray or a dodge and counter strategy by eliminating the offenders quickly in order to move on top potentially more exciting fights and different strategies.
Rule #4 wear whatever makes one comfortable in a fight.
This rule like the glove rule is designed to give the fighter more agency and also increases strategies.
Rule #5 No More Judges
Tap, KO, Ring out, towel, ref stoppage, done
Rule #6 disqualify fighters for inaction
Fighters should be given a 4 minute feeling out process when standing, but 1 second over, then they're both disqualified. This applies to later in the match after vigorous combat as well. As for ground inaction, the fighters only get 2 minutes, after that both are disqualified. This is done in order to encourage action for those fighters who are trying to game the system while trying to avoid a ring out.
These are some rules i believe should be implemented. Now some of you may think these rules are ridiculous. Fair enough, just enjoy your watered down commercialized product. For those that think these rules are innefectual, agree to disagree. For proof of these rules' success, i point you all to the 1988 hit blockbuster based on a true story, BloodSport, starring JCVD. All of these rules were implemented and the fighter who won was able to be exciting and masterful, in never limiting themselves to one style and keeping an open mind despite not being Japanese or a Tanaka. It starts with UFC and Fight Island. Let's make it happen people!!
I believe changes in the rules are necessary in order to avoid boring matches or at least a quicker way to end fights. So without further ado some rule changes and why they would make MMA more exciting.
Rule 1: No rounds/no time limits
Fighters should not have a victory snatched from them when in the middle of achieving a knockout or submission by a bell. No rounds and no time limits would nullify such a scenario while granting true victory to the winner
Rule 2: Gloves should be optional/and any weight
Fighters should be able to pick the tools they and their coaches determine would lead them to victory. Maybe fighters don't want gloves because their opponent keeps grabbing them, maybe they want them because gloves allow for better grip. This rule is designed to give fighters more agency in their strategies while creating new strategies to combat gloveless or gloved fighters.
Rule 3: no chainlink fence/ring ropes/ring out
Fighters fight, that's what they train to do. But as noted before, lay and pray is an effective strategy which utilizes the cage and corners of an octagon or ring effectively neutralizing an opponent while neutralizing the interest of the fans. This is why no barriers should be had while implementing a ring out rule. This would require fighters who utilize a lay and pray style or a dodge and counter strategy to keep the action in the center or risk losing tbe match due to a ring out. In the event of a lay and pray situation where both fighters find themselves outside of the ring, they both lose. This will eliminate the boring aspect of a lay and pray or a dodge and counter strategy by eliminating the offenders quickly in order to move on top potentially more exciting fights and different strategies.
Rule #4 wear whatever makes one comfortable in a fight.
This rule like the glove rule is designed to give the fighter more agency and also increases strategies.
Rule #5 No More Judges
Tap, KO, Ring out, towel, ref stoppage, done
Rule #6 disqualify fighters for inaction
Fighters should be given a 4 minute feeling out process when standing, but 1 second over, then they're both disqualified. This applies to later in the match after vigorous combat as well. As for ground inaction, the fighters only get 2 minutes, after that both are disqualified. This is done in order to encourage action for those fighters who are trying to game the system while trying to avoid a ring out.
These are some rules i believe should be implemented. Now some of you may think these rules are ridiculous. Fair enough, just enjoy your watered down commercialized product. For those that think these rules are innefectual, agree to disagree. For proof of these rules' success, i point you all to the 1988 hit blockbuster based on a true story, BloodSport, starring JCVD. All of these rules were implemented and the fighter who won was able to be exciting and masterful, in never limiting themselves to one style and keeping an open mind despite not being Japanese or a Tanaka. It starts with UFC and Fight Island. Let's make it happen people!!
"You are not Japanese!!! YOU ARE NOT A TANAKA!!"
Responses Page 2
10.14.2020 | 5:08 PM ET
maybe if were lucky we can have the gracie family lay with some japanese pro wrestler in their guard for 20 minutes wow i miss old MMA
10.14.2020 | 5:11 PM ET
fan favorite "tank abbott" can come out and throw one overhand right then press somebody into the fence for 13 minutes