Henry Cejudo Urges Dana White and Fight Commissions to Address Eye Poke Issue
Henry Cejudo, the former two-division UFC champion, has voiced strong concerns over the persistent issue of eye pokes in mixed martial arts (MMA). He has urged Dana White, the UFC president, and various athletic commissions to take decisive action regarding this dangerous problem.
Cejudo’s Fight Experience with Eye Pokes
This call to action comes after Cejudo himself experienced an eye poke during his bout against Song Yadong at UFC Seattle earlier this year. In the third round, Yadong inadvertently poked Cejudo in both eyes. Despite taking the full five-minute recovery period, Cejudo struggled with his vision. The fight continued, and Cejudo ultimately lost by technical decision.
Need for Stricter Regulations
During a recent press scrum ahead of UFC 323, Cejudo expressed his belief that existing protocols for handling eye pokes are insufficient. He emphasized the need for unified standards involving Dana White, referees, and athletic commissions.
- Cejudo has called for automatic point deductions for fighters who commit eye pokes.
- He feels current warnings are unfair to opponents, suggesting all fighters should be held accountable.
Cejudo dramatically stated, “If we’re warned in the back, then I’m going to start taking my fingers and sticking you in the eye, too. That’s not fair.” This reflects his frustration with the current system that seems to have inadequate repercussions for such risky actions in the octagon.
Eye Pokes as a Career Threat
Cejudo also highlighted the serious dangers posed by eye pokes, which can lead to long-term damage and even career-ending injuries. He referenced notable cases, including his own and that of UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, both of whom have faced significant eye-related issues this year.
Drawing on the example of Michael Bisping, who permanently lost vision in one eye, Cejudo stated, “Somebody could lose an eye… It starts here, and I think it needs to be immediate.” He stressed the importance of implementing strict rules to protect fighters from preventable injuries.
Glove Design is Not the Solution
Cejudo further argued that introducing new glove designs would not resolve the eye poke dilemma. While the UFC has previously experimented with glove modifications, they reverted to their original style shortly afterward. Cejudo believes the core issue lies in fighters’ techniques and not the gear.
Calls for Change
Cejudo’s message is clear: the issue of eye pokes needs more immediate attention. He argues that changes must come from the top levels of MMA management. Regaining control over the safety of fighters is paramount to ensuring the integrity of the sport.
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how Dana White and athletic commissions will respond to these pressing concerns raised by Cejudo and other fighters.
