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Veteran referee and one of the architects of modern MMA, "Big" John McCarthy, is stirring up debate in the world of combat sports. Having played a pivotal role in establishing the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts in the early 2000s, McCarthy is now suggesting a controversial tweak: legalizing knees to the head of a grounded opponent.
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie Radio, McCarthy shared his thoughts:
“I would love to see it—knees to the head someday—but I don’t think it’s going to happen. I think it would be a good thing for the sport.”
A Long-Standing Debate
Currently illegal under the Unified Rules, knees to a grounded opponent have been a contentious topic for years. While they remain banned in most major Western promotions like the UFC and Bellator, Asian promotions such as ONE Championship and Rizin FF allow them. Fighters competing under those rules often need to adjust their strategies to accommodate the difference.
McCarthy highlighted the strategic implications of the current ban:
“What it can do is that it keeps the defensive fighter from putting themselves in positions that they could be attacked with a knee if it was legal. But they know they can’t, so they’re utilizing rules to protect themselves rather than skill sets.”
Lessons From Fighters Who Adapt
McCarthy cited Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson as a prime example. Johnson faced a significant challenge in ONE Championship when Adriano Moraes defeated him with a knee strike while grounded. However, Johnson adapted, learning from the experience and eventually overcoming Moraes in their rematch.
This adaptability, McCarthy argues, demonstrates that fighters can evolve to meet the demands of different rule sets, which could enhance the sport's overall dynamism.
Safety First?
One of the main arguments against legalizing knees to the head of a grounded opponent is fighter safety. Critics often cite the increased risk of serious injury. However, McCarthy dismisses this concern:
“What’s the difference between being able to knee someone on the head when they’re standing or if they’re on the ground? There is no difference. I honestly believe that knees to the head should be opened up. It would make the fights a little bit more realistic and more exciting.”
A Step Toward Evolution
Before the Unified Rules, MMA was often labeled "No Holds Barred," and knees to grounded opponents were commonplace. The rule change was primarily introduced to prioritize safety and legitimacy for the burgeoning sport. But with the evolution of MMA and its athletes, McCarthy believes it’s time to revisit this topic.
“Any time you give an offensive tool to a fighter, it opens the fight up,” McCarthy said. “It would make the fights more realistic.”
What Do You Think? Do You Agree With Big John McCarthy?
Should knees to the head of a grounded opponent be legalized in MMA promotions operating under the Unified Rules? Or is the safety concern too significant to ignore? As Big John points out, promotions like ONE and Rizin have embraced this rule, offering fans thrilling action and fighters a broader arsenal of offensive tools.
Let us know what you think, fight fans—would this rule change make MMA more exciting or too dangerous? Join the conversation!
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