Rizin Fighting Federation’s debut show in Japan, has started with all fights ending with a stoppage. You could say, it’s “off to a running start.”
As I’m typing this, the 7th fight just ended with a first round stoppage. The finishes aren’t what peaked my interest, but a fight ruled a no contest because of a fighter missing weight. Felipe Efrain and Yuki Motoya were scheduled to fight at 125lb, but Efrain come in 3 pounds over.
In the first round, Efrain landed a left hand that floored Motoya, and then a little ground and pound caused the ref to step in and stop the fight.
https://twitter.com/ZProphet_MMA/status/681738696689893376
This is a first for me seeing this rule implemented. Typically, fighters give up a percentage of their purse regardless of the outcome, and if they win, a win goes down in the record book.
What would make a fighter show up to fight when there is no chance to record a win? (I’ve known fighters to no show for much less.) Is there a stipulation in their contract that has larger consequences for not fighting? Also, is the fighter fined by the commission on top of receiving a no contest?
No clue if this is a new Japanese MMA rule, but it would be interesting to see what type of effect it would have in the US.
What are your thoughts, is it positive change for the sport?
I definatly think the weight issue needs to be addressed, not sure N/C is the answer after the fight has taken place. Englund VS Duhon in Lake Charles 11/13/2015. Duhon calls for a 160 catch weight at 8 am day of weigh ins. Englund reluctantly agrees due to being on weight already and not wanting the fight to be canceled. Duhon weighs in that evening at 163 and refuses to cut the weight, happy to pay the percentage of purse. This puts Englund at an 8 pound disadvantage. True Englund did hydrate up to 159 however the taxing of a full cut was already in effect. This tells a fighter weight is only a guideline and not a critical part of the sport. This seems to be a trend as of late. Promotions need to put these fighters on blast and not sign them on future shows.