With the Jones vs Reyes decision from this weekend still fresh in mind, let's talk about scoring and judging specifically for MMA. Some, perhaps many, feel like this was a controversial decision. Personally, on fight night I had it 48-47 Reyes, but there was a close round that could have gone either way (i.e. not a "robbery"). But that's part of the issue - everyone views and scores these differently. We all know that there are longstanding issues with the current scoring system, and same goes for judging.
Let's pretend we have the ability to change the rules. How do we fix the problems with scoring and make the system more practical specifically for MMA? As fans we can all have our opinions about fight outcomes, but how do we improve the systems for the actual judges? An ideal system would eliminate as much bias as possible.
Here is a list of some talking points:
SCORING:
JUDGING:
Let's hear it TMMAC. How would you design scoring and judging to be more applicable to MMA, and to eliminate as much bias as possible?
Let's pretend we have the ability to change the rules. How do we fix the problems with scoring and make the system more practical specifically for MMA? As fans we can all have our opinions about fight outcomes, but how do we improve the systems for the actual judges? An ideal system would eliminate as much bias as possible.
Here is a list of some talking points:
SCORING:
- Open scoring system? (as suggested by Max Holloway recently)
- Fix or eliminate the 10-9 system. More use of 10-8s and 10-7s?
- More points for work from the bottom position or sub attempts
- Re-evaluate takedown scoring. No reward for this unless work gets done.
- Issue more point deductions for fouls. Less warnings, more taken points.
- Modify criteria: Currently it is "effective striking, grappling, aggression, and octagon control". Should this be modified? How much should "octagon control" count for?
- If a round is lackluster and neither fighter does much, there should be no reward (like there is currently with the 10-9 system)
JUDGING:
- Increase the number of judges
- Better educate judges
- TV monitors for judges
- Have full-time MMA-specific judges that travel with the events
- Have more former or retired fighters become judges
- Judge the entire fight, not just rounds (think Pride FC)
Let's hear it TMMAC. How would you design scoring and judging to be more applicable to MMA, and to eliminate as much bias as possible?
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