Herb Dean Discusses Eye Poke Rule Changes, Praises Sean Strickland as Gold Standard

Herb Dean, a renowned MMA referee, has announced upcoming changes to the rules governing eye pokes in mixed martial arts. These changes aim to enhance fighter safety following recent incidents that have affected the outcomes of fights, including the controversial no-contest in the match between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane at UFC 321.

New Guidelines on Eye Pokes

During a recent appearance on the podcast Believe You Me, Dean discussed the necessity of enforcing stricter guidelines regarding eye pokes. He noted that while a rule exists that prohibits extending fingers toward an opponent’s eyes, it has not been adequately enforced. To address this, officials plan to adopt a more proactive approach.

• Fingers extended towards the eyes will now be strictly penalized.
• Referees will begin to deduct points immediately for this dangerous action.
• These changes seek to reduce the likelihood of serious injuries resulting from eye pokes.

Impact of Point Deductions

Dean emphasized the significance of point deductions in the context of MMA scoring. He explained that taking away a point can dramatically alter the fight’s outcome, especially in three-round bouts where scores are often close, like 29-28.

Many fighters and fans may be unaccustomed to seeing points taken for fouls, which has historically been a rare occurrence. However, Dean insists that this measure is crucial for the safety of the fighters and the integrity of the sport.

Acknowledging Sean Strickland’s Fighting Style

In addressing best practices for fighters, Dean highlighted former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland as an example. Strickland’s technique of keeping his fingers closed while fighting serves as a model for how athletes can avoid unintentional fouls.

Future Directions

Dean articulated the need for clearer definitions surrounding what constitutes an eye poke. The goal is to create a transparent set of guidelines that fighters must follow. This includes the positioning of fingers during bouts. Many fighters instinctively extend their fingers, particularly at the limits of their reach, which can lead to accidental eye pokes.

As the MMA community anticipates these revisions to the eye poke rules, Dean and his colleagues are committed to improving fighter safety and maintaining the sport’s integrity.