New Jersey calls for reversal of downed opponent rule change after Mousasi-Weidman outcome

Following UFC 210’s controversial co-main event outcome, a New Jersey regulator wants a rule reversed.

In an email addressed to members of the Association of Boxing Commissions obtained today by MMAjunkie, New Jersey chief Larry Hazzard criticized the outcome in Gegard Mousasi’s win over Chris Weidman and requested the ABC review the redefinition of a downed fighter.

Noting the New Jersey commission’s opposition to the change at the ABC’s 2016 meeting, Hazzard took the regulatory body to task for “a rush to change the rule,” “a lack of documented medical review” and “no trial period.”

“While we reiterate the above previously stated health and safety concerns, we now add that Mousasi-Weidman proves that this change does not remedy the stated concern,” wrote Hazzard, a commissioner with the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board. “Referees are still required to make difficult determinations as to whether a fighter is down and contestants can still place their hands up and down and up again. Mr. Mousasi himself stated that he believed Mr. Weidman was trying ‘to take advantage of the rules.’

“In short, the rule change caused a controversial ending to a very high profile bout. This had not happened under hundreds of UFC main and co-main events over the past several years under the prior rule.”

Previously, a downed opponent was considered one with anything other than the soles of the feet on the mat. An outstretched finger could qualify, meaning fighters in the front headlock position Weidman momentarily found himself in could avoid knees to the head.

But after much criticism over fighters “playing the game,” using a bare minimum of contact to avoid a disadvantageous position and stall the fight, the ABC’s rules committee, composed of veteran referees, fighters and industry professionals, moved to change the rule so “any part of the body other than a single hand and feet touching the fighting area floor” would be considered a grounded opponent.

“To be grounded, both hands and feet, palm/fist down, and/or any other body part must be touching the fighting area floor,” states the new rule.

New Jersey objected to the change on the basis of fighters potentially taking more blows to the head.

“We should be wary of the NFL litigation, NHL and WWE head injury issues, and we should not be hasty with regard to matters involving the human brain and it’ well being,” read a statement from the commission at the 2016 meeting.

Weidman (13-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) plans to appeal his TKO loss to Mousasi (42-6-2 MMA, 9-3 UFC) and wants an immediate rematch, arguing referee Dan Miragliotta overstepped his bounds by ruling a pair of Mousasi knees legal after stopping the bout to warn him of their illegality.

The situation might have been rectified with the use of instant replay, which, in a separate email, Hazzard pointed out is in use in New Jersey.

In the meantime, the state is signaling its readiness to fight the regulatory underpinning of the controversial call.

For more on UFC 210, check out the UFC Events section of the site.

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