Henry Cejudo Criticizes Dana White Over UFC Eye Poke Controversy
Henry Cejudo is preparing for his final fight at UFC 323, hoping to instigate changes regarding eye poke regulations in mixed martial arts (MMA). He will face Payton Talbott at the event held in Las Vegas.
This bout marks Cejudo’s return since his technical decision loss to Song Yadong at UFC Seattle in February. That match ended controversially when an eye poke from Yadong forced the fight to go to the scorecards.
Calls for Stricter Eye Poke Regulations
In a year characterized by numerous fights being halted due to eye pokes, Cejudo is voicing strong concerns. He believes the UFC, the Nevada State Athletic Commission, and referees need to implement stricter guidelines.
“I think everybody needs to man up,” Cejudo stated during a media scrum. He expressed frustration with the current state of penalties related to eye pokes, saying, “If we’re being warned in the back, I’m going to start taking my warning, I’m going to start sticking you in the eye, too.”
Impact of Eye Pokes in Recent Fights
The issue of eye pokes gained significant attention during UFC 321, where a notable incident occurred. Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall faced Ciryl Gane, but the fight was abruptly stopped due to an eye poke by Gane, leaving Aspinall nursing ongoing injuries.
- Event: UFC 321
- Fighters: Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane
- Outcome: Fight stopped due to eye poke
Concerns for Fighter Safety
Cejudo’s advocacy for stricter eye poke regulations is not only about fairness in sport; he’s also concerned for fighters’ long-term health. He pointed out the potential for life-altering injuries and cited examples of fighters who have sustained permanent damage.
“Dude, somebody could lose an eye,” he warned. “There are many fighters, like Michael Bisping, who deal with the consequences of eye injuries. This is something that can and should be addressed.”
He feels that accountability is crucial for the future of the sport. “If I lose an eye, who’s going to give me my eye back?” he posed, emphasizing the need for responsibility among those in charge.
Cejudo’s final fight is not just a personal milestone; it is a call to action for the entire MMA community, including UFC President Dana White. As he prepares to walk into the octagon, his focus remains on making the sport safer for everyone.
