UFC Head of Regulatory Affairs Explains Why Open Scoring Should Not Be Implemented

Mixed Martial Arts as a sport is still young. Even though the sport has achieved so much success and is also loved globally, there are underlying issues such as judging that need to be addressed. Because of problems in judging, MMA fans have been vocal about introducing open scoring. However, UFC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner is not of the same opinion.

While talking to The Schmo, Ratner was asked if he was with or against open scoring. Ratner replied, “Against. I’m adamantly against. I’ve been involved in open scoring in boxing.”

He further added, “I understand all the arguments. One of my favorite moments in combat sports, this may sound silly to a lot, but when I hear Michael or Bruce Buffer say… you’re waiting after a three-round or five-round fight, and say, ‘and still or new.’ It’s an iconic moment that you don’t get in any other sport.”

Read More: Five Necessary Measures for Improving Judging in the UFC

Marc Ratner has been around MMA for a very long time. The UFC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs further shared his thoughts on the MMA scoring system needing a change.

Marc Ratner on the need for change in the MMA scoring system

Mixed Martial Arts has incorporated the 10-9 boxing scoring system. Fans and pundits of the sport have often raised their opinions about MMA needing its own scoring system.

Speaking about the same, Ratner believed that while the current scoring system didn’t need change, it needed modification. Speaking about the difficulty in implementing a complete change, Ratner said, “You’ve got 50 different commissions. Probably maybe 38 or so that are current and to change the rules and really do it would be a tough undertaking.”

However, Ratner believes there could be some changes made. While Ratner feels that most of the rounds anyone can judge, he also realizes that in a match-up like a fight between Rose Namajunas and Carla Esparza, it might get difficult to score a round. Ratner said, “I think there could be some changes, but for the most part it works. “

He added, “I would say 80 percent of the rounds anyone can judge. There are 10-9 rounds on. It’s those 20 percent that are really tough. And in the five-minute round, usually, you can make a decision… In the Thug Rose fight, it was pretty tough to make a decision there and I understand that, and uh, with Carla. But I am still on the no open scoring side.”

Watch This Story: UFC Schedule For July 2022

With judging being a problem in the world of combat sports, adequate measures have to be taken to address this issue. What are your thoughts on open scoring in MMA? What do you think can be done to improve judging in MMA? Comment below and let us know your opinion.