NSAC To Hold Open Workshop On MMA Regulations After UFC 167 Backlash
The NSAC has come under fire in the aftermath of UFC 167, after Georges St-Pierre was awarded a controversial win over Johny Hendricks. It appeared that St-Pierre was bested by the challenger in all positions, but the judges on the evening saw it differently.
The decision was blasted by UFC prez Dana White at the PFPC:
“The governor needs to step in and fix the incompetence that is happening in the state of Nevada that used to be the best commission in the world,” White said. “It’s absolutely, 100 percent incompetence, and it needs to stop.”
I agree with White completely, the way MMA is scored and judged is just baffling sometimes. It’s not the first high profile bout that has been surrounded by controversy and I’m sure it won’t be the last, although the NSAC finally seems to be doing something about the matter.
A meeting has been set for early December, during which questions will hopefully be answered regarding judging, refereeing, drug testing and host of other hot topics. The official statement from the NSAC reads as follows:
“The purpose of the workshop is to solicit comments from interested persons on any matter related to contests or exhibitions of unarmed combat, or any other matter within the jurisdiction of the Nevada Athletic Commission,”
Years ago I remember a friend saying to me that MMA judging would get better as the sport grows, so it is ironic that one of the (allegedly) worst or (potentially) scandalous decisions in MMA history would arise on the promotion’s 20th anniversary.
20 years is not a very long time in most terms, but things like reffing and judging should be starting to become more refined. If the NSAC cannot handle these matters, and the UFC is not allowed, then who else is there? The sad truth of the matter is the NSAC might be as good as it gets.
Reminder: this workshop is held at 9 a.m. PT local time at the Grant Sawyer State Office Building, located at 555 East Washington Ave., Suite 4500, in Las Vegas. If you are in the area at that time and want your questions answered, and I’m sure you do, then just pop on in.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF USA TODAY SPORTS
