MMA is not a sport for the faint-hearted. It requires an immense level of skill, discipline, respect and years of hard work and training.
MMA has its origins in Ancient Greece and since then, it has evolved into a very popular sport with a strong following and the sport continues to evolve. For example, it has only been eighteen years since UFC 1, when dirty tactics were allowed (with the exception of biting, eye gouging and small joint manipulation). Since then, the UFC has evolved significantly to ensure the protection of fighters and to make the sport a more enjoyable spectacle to watch.
As the sport has evolved, we have seen legends produced in numerous promotions. For example, Wanderlei Silva, Randy Couture and Mirko Cro Cop are three of the biggest names in the world of MMA.
Sold out arenas, beautiful ringside girls and a legion of loyal fans and many more are all associated with this sport.
However, there is one aspect of this great sport that has the potential to ruin careers and affect how much we fans enjoy this sport. Judging.
I have one word for the state of judging in MMA. Abysmal. Many talented fighters are having their records and reputations destroyed at the hands of judges. The judging in UFC 131 was a prime example of absolutely terrible judging. Michihiro Omigawa lost a decision that many, including the president of the UFC, believed Omigawa to have won. In fact, the judging in that fight was so bad that Dana White actually awarded Omigawa a win bonus.
As a fan, I think that the sport of MMA is being tarnished by judges who don’t know the sport and I know I speak for all of us when I say that we want to see a change. Here are three ways that the judging of this great sport can be improved.
Also, this is my first article, so any feedback is welcome.