ABC passes vote to alter MMA guidelines for rules, scoring
On Tuesday, several key changes to the Association of Boxing Commissions MMA guidelines were voted on and passed at a meeting in Las Vegas.
According to MMA Fighting's Marc Raimondi, the adjusted rules were approved by a landslide vote of 42-1 with the lone dissenter being a representative from the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board.
A representative from Tennessee abstained from voting.
The major topics addressed in the revised rules include minimizing eye pokes, defining a "grounded" fighter, and the standardization of female fighter clothing to avoid the sort of mishaps that plagued Valerie Letourneau in her most recent outing.
In regards to eye pokes, fighters are now eligible to be docked a point if they advance their hand towards an opponent's face with their fingers extended outward. The amended rules recommend that fighters extend their heads only in a fist or with their fingers pointing upward.
A fighter will no longer be considered grounded if he has a single finger touching the mat; instead, "to be grounded, both hands and feet, palm/fist down, and/or any other body part must be touching the fighting area floor. At this time, kicks or knees to the head will not be allowed."
The commission also voted to approve a new wardrobe standard for female fighters in which they must wear either "a short-sleeved (above the elbow) or sleeveless form-fitting rash guard and/or sports bra. No loose-fitting tops are allowed."
It is unclear how this rule will affect the UFC's relationship with official apparel-provider Reebok, if at all.
In addition to the rules changes, the ABC also provided an update to the judging critera intended to clear up confusion when it comes to how fights are scored. A heavy emphasis is to be placed on effective striking and grappling, while aggression and cage control are only to be considered if the prioritized factors are inconclusive.
Judges are also instructed how to award 10-8 scores in the event that a fighter is superior to their opponent in the categories of "dominance, duration, and impact." Success in two of those three factors warrants 10-8 consideration, while success in all three demands a 10-8 score.
Minor changes include the removal of fouls stemming from heel strikes to the kidney and the grabbing of the clavicle, two offenses that are rarely seen in the sport.
It's important to note that the ABC has no authority over state governments and their guidelines are just that, recommendations to create a unified set of rules for MMA in the United States.