Eye pokes have been a persistent and dangerous issue in the UFC for years, causing frustration for fighters, compromising fights, and sparking outrage from fans. Despite being an illegal move, accidental eye pokes occur far too often in the Octagon, and can even alter the outcome of highly anticipated matchups. This has been a cause for concern among fans and fighters alike, and many have been calling for a change to be made to prevent these incidents from happening.
One of the main factors contributing to eye pokes in the UFC is the design of the gloves. The current gloves used in the UFC have fingers extended, making it easier for fighters to accidentally poke their opponent in the eye while attempting strikes. This design flaw has been a topic of discussion for years, with many calling for a redesign of the gloves to prevent eye pokes from occurring in the future.
In a recent interview, UFC bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo spoke candidly about the issue of eye pokes in the UFC. Cejudo, who is known for his explosive fighting style, has been on the receiving end of a few eye pokes in his career. He acknowledged that this is a problem that needs to be addressed and that the UFC needs to take action to prevent it from happening.
Cejudo also revealed that UFC president Dana White is not too fond of giving him a redemption shot despite being eye-poked in his previous fights. This is a concerning statement, as it highlights the lack of support from the promotion when it comes to protecting their fighters from such incidents. It is not fair for fighters to be penalized for something that is out of their control, and it is time for the UFC to step up and make changes to prioritize the safety of their athletes.
Accidental eye pokes have not only resulted in fighters being sidelined, but they have also caused fights to end prematurely. This not only affects the fighters involved but also disappoints the fans who have been eagerly waiting for these matchups. In some cases, these eye pokes have even altered the outcome of fights, robbing fighters of their hard-earned victories. This is a major concern, and it is imperative that the UFC takes steps to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
One solution that has been suggested is the implementation of stricter penalties for fighters who commit eye pokes. Currently, eye pokes are considered accidental and are only penalized with a warning or a point deduction. This is not enough of a deterrent, and fighters need to face harsher consequences for their actions. By implementing stricter penalties, fighters will be more cautious and mindful of their actions, ultimately reducing the number of eye pokes in the Octagon.
Another solution is to redesign the gloves used in the UFC. Many fighters have suggested that the gloves should have curved fingers instead of extended ones, making it more difficult for fighters to accidentally poke their opponents in the eye. This is a simple yet effective solution that can significantly reduce the number of eye pokes in the UFC. It is time for the UFC to seriously consider this option and prioritize the safety of their fighters.
In addition to these solutions, it is also important for fighters to be trained on how to properly strike without risking an accidental eye poke. This is something that can be easily incorporated into their training, and it will go a long way in preventing these incidents from happening in the first place.
In conclusion, eye pokes have been a frustrating and dangerous issue in the UFC for far too long. It is time for the promotion to take action and make changes to ensure the safety of their fighters. Stricter penalties, redesigning of gloves, and proper training can all contribute to reducing the number of eye pokes in the Octagon. As fans and supporters of the sport, it is our responsibility to demand these changes and ensure that the UFC prioritizes the safety of their athletes. Let us hope that the promotion takes note of this issue and makes the necessary changes to prevent any more eye pokes in the future.
