The article discusses various topics including UFC 324, MMA referees, and double champs, highlighting issues with title defenses and refereeing, while also providing opinions on upcoming fights and potential rule changes in MMA.
It’s that time again, folks! Got questions? I’ve got answers. Let’s dive into UFC 324, MMA referees, and UFC double champs.
First up, the double champs. Who deserves the Conor McGregor trophy for least impressive defense runs? McGregor’s in a league of his own—no title defenses at all.
Assuming we’re talking about all two-division champs, not just "champ-champs," it’s a harsh truth. Most aren’t great. Seriously, look at UFC’s double champ history. Each has glaring caveats.
Randy Couture and B.J. Penn did it when MMA was still growing. Georges St-Pierre, Jon Jones, and Henry Cejudo? Opportunists. They grabbed a belt and bailed with no defenses.
Daniel Cormier’s light heavyweight title has a huge asterisk. Alex Pereira‘s middleweight belt isn’t much better. Amanda Nunes? Her two titles were basically one, given the lack of competition.
Then there’s Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, who joined the club last year. No defenses yet. Ilia seems ready to join the "just grabbing a belt" club, bailing on featherweight and eyeing lightweight. Makhachev is eyeing a fight with Kamaru Usman.
Title defenses impress me more than double champ status. History shows one’s far more impressive. If I had to pick the least impressive, excluding Topuria and Makhachev, it’s Georges St-Pierre. He came out of retirement, beat Michael Bisping, and bailed. A shambolic title fight.
Now, Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett. There’s a lot to unpack here. Gaethje’s past his prime, not a great defensive grappler. Pimblett’s peaking, a solid offensive grappler.
But Pimblett hasn’t beaten anyone noteworthy, and he leaves his head exposed. Gaethje? Probably the hardest hitter at 155 pounds. It’s a classic striker vs. grappler matchup.
I have a full technical breakdown coming, but I lean towards Pimblett. He’s better than expected, peaking while Gaethje’s nearing retirement. But my heart says Gaethje. He’s one of the most exciting fighters ever. If he loses, he might retire. I’m not ready for that. So, I’m picking Gaethje. Let’s keep this ride going a bit longer.
As for the alternate ending? I’d undo McGregor’s 13-second KO of Jose Aldo. Not only would it change a tragic outcome, but we’d get peak Conor vs. peak Gaethje. Pure cinema.
Now, onto referee involvement. There’s a difference between current issues and your suggestions. My problem? UFC refs don’t enforce existing rules, and there’s no accountability.
More referee involvement could help, but only if they enforce fouls as they should. Let’s break down your ideas:
Cards: Monetary penalties? No. Points for fouls? Yes. Cards could clarify things for viewers.
Refs Talking to Judges: Not a fan. Judging’s bigger issue? Cageside’s the worst seat. Judges should watch broadcasts.
Timidity Penalties: It’s a rule, but refs rarely enforce it. They should. This is a spectator sport; action’s essential.
Physical Intervention: Refs should intervene when necessary. If a penalty occurs, stop the fight, don’t just warn.
Overall, these ideas could work. But here’s my solution: a penalty system with yellow and red cards. Yellow for minor infractions, leading to positional changes. Two yellows equal a red and a point deduction. Three reds? DQ.
Egregious fouls get straight to point deduction. Simple and effective. Why isn’t this implemented? Who knows.
Thanks for reading! Got questions about combat sports? Send them my way. Every Sunday (or Monday, if I forget), I’ll call for questions. Doesn’t matter if they’re topical or wild. Just drop ’em!