Is it time to upgrade the scoring system used by the UFC?
Joe Rogan seems to think so.
The colour commentator shared his thoughts on the issue on Twitter following a contentious split decision in the main event of UFC 195. Despite landing more strikes on Robbie Lawler than his opponent even attempted, two of the three judges scored the epic welterweight title battle against Carlos Condit.
Many felt that the challenger had done enough to win the bout on points under the current system, and Rogan explained that this is why the scoring system needs to be revamped.
MMA's scoring badly needs an upgrade. There's no way the 5th and 3rd rounds should generate the same score last night.
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) January 3, 2016
He criticised the current 10-point must system which the promotion adopted and has been traditionally used for boxing.
The idea that we continue to use boxing's 10 point must system for a completely different sport is inexcusable at this stage.
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) January 3, 2016
Imagine how goofy football would be if quarters were scored as equal 10 – 9 rounds regardless of how much more scoring was done in each.
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) January 3, 2016
Rogan claimed it was about time they found a more definitive way for scoring fights as under the current system, close rounds are often decided by who the judge feels has the momentum, rather than what certain statistics might suggest is winning the fight.
Submissions and KO's will always be the most definitive ways to win fights but we should know exactly what points are based on at this stage
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) January 3, 2016
Another solution Rogan offered was the introduction of more judges to score bigger fights, in order to share the burden of responsibility for making tough decisions.
I think MMA could also benefit from more judges scoring a huge fight. 3 people deciding huge championship decisions doesn't seem smart.
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) January 3, 2016
