NJ calls for revisiting definition of down after UFC 205 fiasco
“Given the UFC 210 co-main event bout calls, the NJSACB now respectfully asks that the rule change be reconsidered at the upcoming annual convention.”
At the 2016 Association of Boxing Commissions convention, a new definition of a grounded fighter was passed with one nay vote. Under the Unified Rules, a downed fighter cannot be kneed or kicked. The previous definition of downed is any body part other than the soles of the feet touching the mat. Some fighters would touch the mat with a finger, particularly when stuck on the fence, to avoid knees. Under the rules, a fighter has to have both palms or fists touching the mat, or anything else other than the soles of his or her feet touching, to be considered grounded.
New Jersey is not implementing the new definition, and in response to the controversial ending of the UFC 210 co-main event on Saturday, has called for the new definition to be revisited.
“As you are likely aware, New Jersey opposed the 2016 ABC convention rule change proposal concerning the definition of a downed fighter in MMA,” wrote NJ State Athletic Control Board Commissioner Larry Hazzard, Sr.
“This rule change opposition was rooted in health and safety concerns. We felt that there was a rush to change the rule and there was a lack of documented medical review and no trial period.
“We were all advised that the rush to change this rule was based on contestants gaming the system by placing their fingers up and down and that this rule change was the solution to this problem. It was also stated that the rule change would make the referee’s determinations easier.
“Given the UFC 210 co-main event bout calls, the NJSACB now respectfully asks that the rule change be reconsidered at the upcoming annual convention.
“While we reiterate the above previously stated health and safety concerns, we now add that Mousasi-Weidman proves that this change does not remedy the stated concern. Referees are still required to make difficult determinations as to whether a fighter is down and contestants can still place their hands up and down and up again. Mr. Mousasi himself stated that he believed Mr. Weidman was trying to take advantage of the rules. In short, the rule change caused a controversial ending to a very high profile bout. This had not happened under hundreds of UFC main and co-main events over the past several years under the prior rule.”