Home/Boxing

via Getty

via Getty

The UFC 283 fight card sparked the debate about the role played by the coaches, referees, and doctors in an Octagon fight. Some MMA fans felt that fights involving Lauren Murphy and Glover Teixeira didn’t deserve to go to such a distance. Despite the display of nerves of steel and putting in gutsy performances, both the fighters appeared pretty beaten up. Understandably, the pictures of their ragged faces made rounds, and the decision of the referees to not stop the fights became the subject of public scrutiny. Raising the issue of the fighters’ safety, former UFC champion Michael Bisping recently voiced the need for the active roles played by the coaches. Significantly, he advised the MMA community to follow the suit from the ‘money fight’ involving Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor.

Notably, the Brit spoke on the latest segment of his popular podcast, Believe You Me. Accompanied by the co-host, Anthony Smith, the duo reacted to results from UFC 283. In addition, the duo discussed the uncertainty surrounding the Cameroon fighter, Francis Ngannou.

The lessons from Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The UFC Hall of Famer pointed out to the fight between the two cash cows of their respective sports. The British fighter then recalled how the referee had stepped in and stopped that fight.

via Getty

Following this, he reminded the co-host that it was a ridiculously big fight. Further, the MMA-fighter-turned analyst specified the Irishman was not taking the kind of damage that calls for a stoppage. Likewise, neither his face was busted nor there was psychological damage.

Also, there wasn’t potential brain damage. But the ‘Mystic Mac’, as expressed by Bisping, wasn’t going to secure a win. Thus, the 30-9 record holder told, “So the referee stopped it and you see that in boxing all the time because it is a part of the sport and it’s almost ingrained in the culture.”

“And referees to stop fights, corners to throw towels. That is an element of the fight culture which hasn’t fully been integrated into mixed martial arts,” he added later on.

Bisping on the important role played by the coach in the fights

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Breaking down the role played by a coach in a fighter’s professional life, ‘The Count’ earlier in the conversation strongly advocated for setting up the norms of stopping a fight if the fighter reaches his limits. Further, the 43-year-old stated that the onus should be on the coach to determine the stoppage of the fight.

Read More: “If Anything, PowerSlap Is Showing…” – Amidst Backlash From All Sides, Conor McGregor Makes Bizarre Statement on Dana White’s Power Slap League

Besides, the coach should assess the situation so that the fighter is not psychologically damaged and traumatized. And equally important is not to have confidence affected so that it doesn’t affect a fighter’s career and earning potential going forward.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch This Story: Joe Rogan reveals the real reason for Conor McGregor’s demise

What do you think of the former UFC champion Michael Bisping’s statements? Do you also agree that coaches and referees need to play a more active role? Let us know in the comments below.