The Association of Boxing Commissioners has approved the proposed changes to scoring and rules for the unified rules of MMA. Vote was 44-1 with 1 abstention. NJ voted no, TN passed on voting. (4 states are not in the ABC) Changes will be effective 1/1/17.
We already know about the scoring changes. There are 4 major changes in the rules.
1) Changes to the uniform rules for women, not sure what it exactly is and don't care, but apparently Reebok's current uniform top is going to be illegal.
2) Heel kicks to the kidney are no longer illegal. Medical experts said that technique is not dangerous and most people (except NJ) believe that rule was silly.
3) Fighters will no longer be able to play the "grounded opponent" game where they put one hand down to stop knees and kicks. Two feet and one hand will not be grounded. Both hands would be grounded, as would a knee and a hand, etc. NJ strongly objected to this change.
4) Having your fingers pointed at the opponent and moving forward will be a foul. You either need to close your fist or point your fingers up. Currently, referees could warn fighters to close their hands but they couldn't take a point away unless there was an actual eye poke so fighters often ignored the ref. After this rule is in effect, the ref won't have to wait for an eye poke, they can take a point if you are not heeding their warning.
New Jersey has said that they will not implement 2 of those changes to the uniform rules of MMA so for the first time in a long time we'll have a situation where the rules are different in one state vs another. [Reply]
A fighter's union might actually happen. Today, a high-powered baseball agent (Jeff Boris) and a team of labor lawyers (including Nick Diaz's lawyer) who have a lot of experience working with player and referee associations formed The Professional Fighters Association.
The player's unions of all four major sports (plus MLS, lol) released statements supporting the Fighters union. They now need to try to get the fighters to vote to certify the union.
Originally Posted by :
“As Executive Director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, I support the efforts of the fighters to organize. The solidarity and commitment of the group will be essential to their ability to protect and advance their workplace rights.”
Tony Clark
Executive Director | Major League Baseball Players Association
“I have been privileged to represent elite athletes for nearly 40 years, and believe now more than ever in the benefits of collective bargaining to secure and enhance terms and conditions of employment. That is why I fully support and encourage efforts of the fighters to organize a union to represent them.”
Donald M. Fehr
Executive Director | National Hockey League Players Association
“As a strong labor union, the NFL Players Association recognizes the need for a collective voice among athletes and supports the efforts of the UFC fighters to stand together as a team to advance their rights as working men and women.”
DeMaurice Smith
Executive Director | National Football League Players Association
