Yeah, good article. I voted in totality but both systems would have major flaws that would still need to be addressed so it’s not like using PRIDE criteria would be the end of judging issues.

I agree completely Leland. I was shocked at how many people were voting with Kid Nate. I also think that 10-10 rounds are absolutely needed, not often but on occasions. Is it really gonna lead to that many more draws? I dont think so. The chances of all three judges scoring the fight as a draw, or with one judge scoring the fight as a draw with the other two split are pretty slim. And if a fight is really THAT close maybe a draw is the best option. Imagine a fight takes place where the first two rounds are dead even but then in the third round fighter A takes over and edges out fighter B. Obviously Fighter A won the fight right? Well that might not be the case when judges are forced to decide who won the earlier rounds when they were dead even. Fighter B couldve gotten the benefit of the doubt from the judges in the first and second rounds, because the judges feel forced to make a decision one way or the other, and therefor Fighter B can end up winning the decision. I honestly think being more liberal with 10-10 and 10-8 rounds will actually eliminate some of the controversy.

And I am not trying to be a smart ass. For the most part your article was well thought out and thorough. But one glaring hole…..You state the following

“Is PRIDE-style judging criteria the answer to all of our problems with controversial decisions in the sport? No, it isn’t. First and foremost, the potential for fights within that framework to become lackluster in the opening rounds increases. If a fighter truly knows that he isn’t a finisher, it may be better for them to remain purely defensive in an attempt to save conditioning for the more weighted third round of the fight.”

But Pride also saw this one flaw in their system and attempted to counter it. The Yellow Card. A ten percent penalty of someone’s purse is a good motivator for “effort” in a fight. Once a fighter gets hit with that, they would usually hit the turbo button in an attempt to save any more deductions. No system is going to be perfect, but the Pride system is most definitely better than our ten point must system.

the ten point system works for boxing as it involves merely one way to garner points: the punch. for a point-system to work, it must be straightforward enough to near-objectively declare a winner. in mma, however, this system just does not work, because of MMA’s unpredictability.

the major difference between boxing and mma is that boxing is purely a sport, while mma is quite possibly the closest thing you can get to a “real” fight. for argument’s sake, let’s use a street fight as an example: in a street fight, if a guy sits on top for most of the fight and gets his ass handed to him, it’s clear to see who the winner is. in the UFC, however, the guy who sits on top has a good chance of being declared the winner. if a guy clearly wins the first two rounds, he can sit back and merely dodge punches, and avoid fighting altogether and still win a fight. in basketball, or baseball – once the winning team has a lead, it is merely their job to stay ahead. the winning team no longer has any reason to try harder. in fact, it is beneficial for the person or team to engage as least as possible. not only is this a great tactic, but is ENCOURAGED by cornermen who see this as a loophole. why risk getting submitted or knocked out when you are clearly in the lead?

the ten point system can be attributed to the “boring” fights that many MMA fans lament against. Glay Guida in his fight against Diaz even admitted he was just holding on to eke out a decision. In fact, many other fighters have gone on record as to saying they were trying to hold on for a decision win. isn’t this the reason we are all upset for paying $50 for a PPV where we merely see two men on top of each other holding hands?

it’s not all to be blamed on the fighters though. the ufc has made it clear that it will cut people if they lose a string of fights. these fighters have to literally hold on for their jobs. if the promotion cuts you because you lose, your entire living is based around the concept of winning, and not fighting. so it makes sense that these fighters would rather eke out a decision than make an exciting fight, but in the end, it dilutes the product and makes it less exciting.

fights are fights. it shouldn’t be based on points because different attacks have different outcomes. a slow, weak takedown shouldn’t be worth more “points” than a crushing right hook. but at the same time, a dozen or so jabs shouldn’t count more than a beautifully executed judo throw (which would be considered an ippon). the mentality that points are the answer is stupid because there is no standard criteria of measurement that is anywhere near objective.

but if i saw two guys go at it, i can definitely tell you who won the fight. if it’s a close fight, then, and maybe then, we can start handing out split decisions.

Holy shit, after 368 votes, the poll is dead even. This topic is split, big time.

Anyone that thinks that Pride style judging is the answer obviously hasn’t seen the Nog vs. Ricco decision which is the worst decision in the history of MMA.

Round by Round if you want it to be a sport.

Round by Round rewards skill and not just endurance.

The writer of that post didnt understand some of Pride Rules

PRIDE RULES

These criteria are in order of priority or importance. They are considered in descending order if a fight goes to a decision.

1. Effort to finish by KO or submission:
Fighters who are striking with force and intention that may result in a KO will be awarded in this criteria, that applies both standing and on the ground. “Catch” or near submissions, as well as multiple attempts will score in this criteria.

2. Damage:
Any strike that does damage or accumulations of strikes that result in damage are awarded here. Damage may be visible such as a cut or bruised leg, or it may be shown by an opponent’s reaction to a strike such as favoring a leg that has been kicked or turning away from a body shot. A near submission may also result in damage points.

3. Standing combinations and ground control:
When a fighter lands a skillful combination of strikes while standing, they are awarded this criteria. Ground control is awarded by achieving dominant positions and holding them. Dominant positions are side control, mount, back mount with hooks, knee ride, and north-south. Neutral positions are standing and in guard. Fighters are encouraged to strive for dominant position throughout the fight.

4. Takedown and defense:
A skillfully executed takedown will score in this category, repeatedly stopping your opponent’s takedown will also score in this category. Multiple takedowns, even if not executed skillfully will also score here.

5. Aggressiveness:
The fighter who is pressing the action while standing, seeking dominant position on the ground and working to finish the match, will score here.

6. Weight difference:
If a fighter is more than 15 Kilos lighter at heavyweight or 10 Kilos at middleweight, then he will be given an advantage here. This is only taken into consideration when the higher criteria are even.

Negative points – yellow cards:
When the fighters are fighting as demanded by the criteria, there is no need for interference from referees or judges. However, when a fighter is not fighting in this manner, then he may receive a yellow card penalty. The fighters are encouraged to engage and strike or attempt takedowns when standing, by the referee’s command of “action.” When on the ground, fighters are encouraged to seek dominant positions, forced reversals or return to the feet by the referee’s command of “improve position.” When in a dominant position, a fighter is encouraged to finish by effective striking or submission by the referee’s command of “work to finish.” If either fighter does not obey the command and actively seek dominant positions and finishes, they may receive a yellow card, which will result in a negative point deduction. Any intentional fouls or unsportsmanlike conduct may also result in a yellow card and negative point.