On occasion I am asked to comment on potential MMA rules changes or modifications that are designed to better help protect the fighters and integrity of the sport.
In light of the recent controversy from UFC 94's main event between Georges St. Pierre and B.J. Penn regarding the alleged inappropriate use of Vaseline, I offer a simple and effective rules modification.
Prohibit corner men associated with the fighter access to the cage, octagon or ring during a bout.
Prohibit physical contact with the fighter by anyone outside the cage, octagon or ring during a bout.
All physical contact (toweling perspiration, supplying water, etc.) and "cut work" to be performed solely by authorized state-sanctioned personnel.
Following UFC 94 on Jan. 31, Penn alleged St. Pierre was "greased up." In a letter to the Nevada State Athletic Commission last week, Penn stated he was unable to implement any sort of Brazilian jiu jitsu as his legs continually slid down St. Pierre's back. In an interview with MMAjunkie.com, NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer said he had to issue a warning and wipe down St. Pierre before rounds of the fight, though he said the amount of Vaseline applied to the body was minimal at most.
While many have pushed for a mandate to allow only independent cut men can to apply Vaseline to a fighter, I think we should take it a step further.
He's my example.
The UFC currently employs an expert cut team (headed by two of the greats, Jacob "Stitch" Duran and Leon Tabb) for each corner. These impartial cut teams, ringside medical staff, referees and athletic commission officials should be the only people allowed access to the cage, octagon or ring during a bout. The above-mentioned parties should be the only persons allowed physical contact with a fighter during a bout.
Individual fighter team members should only give instruction from outside the cage, octagon or ring. They should have no physical contact with the fighter after he or she has been inspected by the referee prior to entering the fighting structure.
There can be no question as to the integrity of the process. Even the perception of impropriety cannot be tolerated.
I believe this simple and easily enforceable rules modification can adequately address the potential issue of fighter contamination.
