Jorge Masvidal proposes a 20% purse penalty for fighters who commit eye pokes in the UFC, suggesting immediate point deductions and financial consequences to deter the foul. He believes this approach would effectively change fighter behavior regarding eye pokes.
Key points
Jorge Masvidal proposes a 20% purse penalty for eye pokes.
He suggests immediate point deductions for the foul.
Masvidal has experienced severe eye pokes in his fights.
He believes financial penalties will deter reckless behavior.
The deducted money should go to the fighter affected by the eye poke.
Jorge MasvidalColby CovingtonLorenz Larkin
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 05: Jorge Masvidal prepares to fight Colby Covington in their welterweight fight during the UFC 272 event on March 05, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Eye pokes continue to be a source of controversy year after year in the UFC and Jorge Masvidal thinks he has the answer.
The inaugural āBMFā champion has a harsh suggestion for fighters recklessly jabbing their opponentsā eyeballs, going as far as to not only demand an immediate point deduction but also a 20 percent purse penalty as punishment.
āGo Japan style,ā Masvidal said on the *Deep Waters* show. āHit him with the yellow card right away. Pay deductions and points. Iāve been eye poked in a fight two different times and one of them actually stuck with me for, like, three weeks. Colby [Covingtonās] bitch ass f\*cking dug his nails in my eye and that was, like, three weeks later I was still seeing spots and it was bad and my eye was swollen, I had to go to the doctor to get it checked. I had to get medication, antibiotics on my eyes, it sucked. It happened with [Lorenz] Larkin as well and it was really, really bad. Both eye pokes were horribly bad.
āIāve never eye poked anybody in my whole career. Iāve got 52, 53 fights, so there is something that it is in our hands. I know that things could happen in a fight and you could get poked by accident, but a lot of times as a referee, we can tell when itās intentional or when this guyās just doing this stupid shit, you know a little bit Jon Jones-ish, every time you come in Iām going to give you a little eye check. Just step back with my hands open. Immediate point deduction, yellow card. Take money from the purse, too. Take 20 percent.ā
*Deep Waters* co-host Dustin Poirier added that there are degrees to eye pokes and agreed that particularly harmful infractions need to be addressed immediately as opposed to with repeated warnings.
For Masvidal, taking money out of a fighterās wallet for the foul makes the most sense. At least thatās what would make him change his behavior.
āHit them where it hurts because Iām a fighter and you immediately say anything about my paycheck, Iām going to be like, āOh, youāre saying if Iām late here Iām going to get deducted?ā Iāll never be late,ā Masvidal said. āBut if you donāt say that, Iāll show up whenever I want, you know?
ā[The money goes] to the other fighter. Not to no commission, not no damn commission. Iām done with these commissions getting exchange, all to the guy that got poked in the eye. Everybodyās robbing us, man.ā
Masvidal acknowledged there are other fouls that need addressing, but maintained eye pokes are the most injurious and typically the most influential on the outcome of a fight. Heās not taking a hard stance on the 20 percent, but he believes if promotions and commissions want to see change, they know what area to target.
āMaybe five percent on the first one, five percent,ā Masvidal said. āIām telling you, aināt nobody eye poking no more. Thatās how it should be, donāt f\*cking eye poke people.ā
Q&A
What is Jorge Masvidal's proposal for eye pokes in UFC fights?
Jorge Masvidal proposes a 20% purse penalty and immediate point deductions for fighters who commit eye pokes.
Why does Masvidal believe financial penalties will change fighter behavior?
Masvidal believes that hitting fighters in their wallets will make them more cautious, as financial consequences are a strong motivator.
What incidents led Masvidal to advocate for stricter penalties on eye pokes?
Masvidal experienced severe eye pokes in fights against Colby Covington and Lorenz Larkin, which prompted his call for stricter penalties.
How does Masvidal suggest the penalties should be implemented?
Masvidal suggests implementing a 'yellow card' system for eye pokes, where fighters face immediate penalties and the deducted money goes to the affected opponent.
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**FINAL THOUGHTS**
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