'Big' John McCarthy Pushing for Knees to the Head of a Downed Opponent

by Luke Thomas on Jun 10, 2008 9:27 AM EDT in MMA News

"It's a good technique," said McCarthy, who refereed 535 matches during his 15-year career. "It's a very effective tool, and it opens fights up."

The most recognized referee in the game has met privately with ABC representatives in the last few months to discuss amendments to the sport's Unified Rules of Combat. The ABC will unveil their efforts at its annual gathering, where its membership of nearly 80 state and tribal athletic commissions throughout North America will review them.

I can't wait for the day where knees to the head of a downed opponent are part of the Unified Rules. The danger they allegedly pose is greatly exaggerated and in my mind, will force many of the wrestling-based fighters to keep moving after stuffed takedowns. In fact, this in many ways levels the wrestling playing field. A stopped shot with no recourse but to separate still allows the more dominant wrestler to reset or see through to another takedown. Matt Hughes is usually quite adept at starting with leg attacks and then transitioning into hip or upper body attacks. But a stuffed shot with knees to the head allowed will not allow the wrestler to stall. It will force a more dynamic form of fighting without a significant increase in danger to the fighters.

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Side control has a totally new means with knees to the head involved

by Yasnian on Jun 10, 2008 10:37 AM EDT reply actions

I don't like it...

My problem isn’t with the knees themselves. It changes the game, adds action, punishes you for getting outplayed positionally…etc.

BUT, is right now the right time to add a more violent looking element to the game? We’ve all read the post EXC on CBS articles with their “THEY KICK EACH OTHER IN THE HEAD!” nonsense. Think about what people are going to say the first time they see some Mark Coleman vs. Alan Goes knees to the head on network television…

The time just isn’t right in my eyes.

Contributing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.

"The reason a lot of people do not recognize opportunity is because it usually goes around wearing overalls and looking like hard work." -- Thomas Edison

by Brent Brookhouse on Jun 10, 2008 10:45 AM EDT reply actions

Mark Coleman vs. Alan Goes

Thank you for reminding me of this. I allude to it in an earlier thread on legalizing knees to the head. I actually watched this fight with Mark Coleman when I was writing a story about him. His reaction was priceless:

“Yeah, the referee probably should have stepped in earlier on that …”

by thetakeover on Jun 10, 2008 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions

I agree with Brent. Knees to the head might be a little too much right now for a sport that’s trying to go more mainstream. And soccer kicks to the head, well, lets not go there.

by monkeyfightclub! on Jun 10, 2008 11:24 AM EDT reply actions

Hmm. Is there a way they can allow knees to the head when their opponents are still on their knees themselves (like wrestlers during a takedown attempt) but not when they’re on their backs (side control or something other)?

As Luke mentioned, it’ll be a great tactic against wrestlers and I agree. But I’ve always found knees to the head while the guy’s on his back is far too brutal, and the possibilities of spinal injuries and all that are kiiinda scary.

by Gong on Jun 10, 2008 11:33 AM EDT reply actions

I remember watching the Herring-Kongo fight a while back and all the times Herring had side control and/or a north-south position. Knees to the head would’ve make that fight ten times more exciting than it was. And anything that can be done to prevent lay’n’pray is fine with me.

by Tonley on Jun 10, 2008 12:13 PM EDT reply actions