MMA Rules Desperately Need To Be Fixed

Fresh off UFC 298, UFC Referee Marc Goddard joins us in studio to chat about the current state of MMA rules and what can be done to make sure controversial fight moments are kept to a minimum.
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[@MMAOnPoint]

Who wants to see @the-mma-guru vs Marc Goddard?

[@MrGiovanniPollio]

Only if Tommy is commentating

[@dickdeoreo]

🙋🏼‍♂️ duh

[@couldntthinkofanamesoiwrot4711]

The wheelchair bound pig-man hybrid is becoming mainstream😂

[@KyleDavis1]

Mark not so goodard doesn't want that smoke. The mma guru will school him

[@spacekookmusic]

yesssssss

[@qjames0077]

MMA Guru will only show up if your facility is wheelchair accessible

[@johnmarkson1998]

guru got them wobblestone cobblestone knees unfortunately. he cant balance on 2 feet.

[@pickelteets]

Guru is a grounded opponent.

[@MG-po6jc]

Holy shit that's good!@@pickelteets

[@matz4k]

It's so important that refs have a plattform to explain their decision and defend themselves. We often look at their mistakes and judge them without ever hearing their position. Great work!

[@thegoldensnitch6312]

Refs often do so but never heard one iota from a judge

[@matz4k]

true, I think most refs channels are just known/watched by the hardcores. It would be really interesting to hear from a judge! @@thegoldensnitch6312

[@CaptCKernel]

I'd like to see them at the post fight presser to field questions, I know it's super unlikely but as a fan I think it's super neat

[@marcoaf18]

@@CaptCKernelsame with judges. They should be required to explain their scoring

[@CaptCKernel]

@@marcoaf18 agreed but my only thing is trying to keep it "not negative" and I feel like the questions that would be asked to judges would hardly be positive or seeking insight. Like as long as fans are as excited to hear them talk about the process of getting 30-27s across the board correctly, then I'm for it. I just don't want to see the only time we have judges or refs involved is when there's controversy

[@xMYK3]

marc having beef with guru😂

[@matto155]

🤣I love it

[@nickferry6061]

Seeing Marc Goddard on the show was a nice surprise! Great work boys

[@tinyky2598]

This isn't the first time either, he's been on before, always a good addition!

[@Robothuck]

they did him dirty with that thumbnail though

[@Nick_Tank]

Don’t forget about MMA GURU flaming Marc for his reffing/takes😂, glad he’s clearing the air and advocating rule change

[@davidchristie6003]

I remember being annoyed at the ref and the rules during that Allen fight. Now I have nothing against Marc and even more against the mess that is the rules

[@TMeek94]

No it was just wrong by marc, his hands weren't down when the knees connected, are the rules weird? Sure. But those were blatantly legal knees and marc stopped it

[@GengoSenmon]

This did not address his early stoppages which prevented worthy fighters of rightfully becoming champions.

[@Jameslfgsmith]

@@GengoSenmon FACTS!!!

[@cwx8]

​@@GengoSenmonpfff like who? Getting your head caved in without intelligently defending is not a winning strategy

[@GengoSenmon]

@@cwx8 And yet that is exactly how Jiri won several matches before. Also Aljo was not still rolling. Hardly unconscious and 'not intelligently defending'.

[@King_JappyJoe]

We didnt forget Goddarrd and Dan Hardy had an hours long meltdown on their podcast about Guru that they deleted 😂😂

[@tompossessed1729]

Knees to grounded opponents should be allowed

[@harrywatson2694]

or at least the rule should be consistent

[@TonsOfFunk]

Yes! I've been saying this for years. It would make grappling and ground fighting much more interesting.

[@liamdoes8580]

Agreed, soccer kicks and stomps aren't needed but most of the time if you're in a position to be kneed while grounded you're able to consciously defend yourself

[@CHE5T3R]

Agreed. ONE's global rule set is the best in my opinion

[@Mynameisnotbilbo]

I think Marc's perspective is that the capacity for damage from a grounded knee is greater than anything else.

[@mrcopes165]

Can't unhear guru's impression of Goddard now 😂

[@OmnipotentSpud]

Yes, Marc. Pride rules, 1 night tournaments, soccer kicks, and sick intros. That's the aesthetic I want.

[@andrewalaskiewicz38]

So nice to get a refs prospective and hear what’s going on through their heads. It’s gotta be so frustrating at times. Would love for you to get a judge on here!!

[@jctorres7684]

prospective huh

[@DammitBobby]

The One FC ruleset is objectively better. Just allow knees to grounded opponents wholesale. Fighters will learn to defend it properly and not put themselves in that position.

[@AfroViking300]

Coming from sombody who's probably never had a fight in their life

[@DammitBobby]

@@AfroViking300 coming from someone who has clearly never watched ONE FC before. We don't see brutal knees to guys on the ground for finishes left and right. The athletes look for it and put themselves in position to defend. It's not some unfair overpowered move. It's a valid technique that the fighters respect and defend against. Like up kicks, or head kicks. The fights at one are consistently more entertaining then UFC. Sure they don't have the same level of competition overall, but I never walk away from a one FC event feeling like I saw a boring fight.

[@AfroViking300]

@@DammitBobby Yappinator

[@vaughnordakowski8774]

​@@AfroViking300 Coming from someone who has I also think onefc has better rules. Do you really think there's not tons of fighters who also want this rule changed?

[@AfroViking300]

@@vaughnordakowski8774 depends on the rules lol. Everybody wants the downed opponent rules changed. But nobody cares about kicks to the head of a downed opponent rules but absolute tools lol. Like have some type of dignity it's not a fight till the death no matter how badass y'all want the sport to sound. Only reason people say they have better rules is because they barely have any rules and they aren't the ones in the cage 💀

[@constipatedsheep6864]

Knees to grounded opponents is my number 1. Its the most impactful damaging rule by far.

[@_Idonthaveaname]

2 mma on point videos in 24 hours is always a blessing

[@skinnyWHITEgoyim]

The love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the real blessing.

[@derekrusher5172]

since big john retired this man is the best mma referee in the sport and its not even close

[@graham13clark]

Make sure you have a wheelchair ramp so Guru can get in the studio 😂

[@JayJenas-ge2tn]

We should let sean strickland write the rules all by himself

[@Jacktrack7]

"Rule N°1: no gays"

[@tylerbacon5146]

​@@Jacktrack7based

[@JayJenas-ge2tn]

@@Jacktrack7 DDP whole team got to go then

[@MrMaticko]

​@@Jacktrack7rule no2 : Here's the thing guys...

[@ericthrasher67]

Damn, I just love how much he cares about the sport. Such an important job that everyone talks shit about. Thanks for the insight!

[@markvandenboogaard8523]

Been watching this channel since 2018. Very respectful and knowledgeable guys.. this channel makes mma alot more enjoyable with all the content

[@TheMagmaCartel]

I shouldn't have had to wait this long to be told that there was a rule inconsistency in Ontario. Refs need more platforms for explanation and accountability.

[@the_opii]

Guys I think you should really make this a proper podcast, not just an exclusive reward it has good potential

[@aymen.el.abed.01]

The look at Mark's face "21:22"

[@danieltorres7519]

Marc was seriously considering pulling a Khabib and flying over the table 🤣

[@aymen.el.abed.01]

@@danieltorres7519 🤣🤣🤣

[@krampus9983]

Great conversation. We’re long overdue a unified draft. 12-6 elbows is a no brainer. I’d also like to see guys who put a hand down with their knees, or crawl out to their opponent like an animal, still be eligible for knees and kicks to the head. Use actual technique and skill to negate your opponent, not abusing the rules

[@asleep909]

This may be the best roundtable interview you guys have ever done. Thank you Marc Goddard!

[@FreakOnTheLeaf]

Knees legal in ALL positions. Upkicks legal in ALL positions Opponents downed ONLY when hip on ground. There, solved it. The only real danger is soccer kicks and standing stomps. The rest is rarely, if EVER, more dangerous than a regular headkick

[@EatMe420]

A knee to the face of a downed opponent is pu$$y shit. If you do that you're a joke. It should be illegal. It's also just as dangerous as a full head kick.

[@Csmitty125]

Yeah, seeing some of the old leaping stomps in pride I think those can stay illegal. Feels like watching a murder. Soccer kicks to the head are definitely ugly, however I don't think they're any more harmful to the head than a head kick. I feel like the neck may be at greater risk though, and maybe that's why they're banned? I could definitely see a soccer kick breaking a neck while doing pretty regular damage to the head.

[@zcl812]

Being a ref seems more stressful than being a fighter sometimes. Everyone makes mistakes. Respect to Marc for being real and representing his trade and himself in the media.

[@chrislaverick6413]

Whether it’s against the rules or not I simply just can’t understand why a pro fighter would leave his head exposed while relying on the rule to save himself from getting kneed in the face to oblivion, that is such a big goddamn gamble

[@vaughnordakowski8774]

The gamble is you get to hide safely in that position or you win by dq. That isn't a horrible gamble if you consider a win bonus on the line for these struggling fighters

[@vaughnordakowski8774]

Especially if they are already losing which is usually what people in that position already are

[@chrislaverick6413]

@@vaughnordakowski8774 well it didnt work for weidman, i just think its a dumb strategy, but I also think you should be able to kick or need down opponents like in pride

[@vaughnordakowski8774]

@@chrislaverick6413 yeah I mean it is overall dumb, but I was just throwing out an idea on why anyone could have that mentality

[@chrislaverick6413]

@@vaughnordakowski8774 i mean it paid off for sterling, i wouldnt do it, I think it’s a very dishonourable way to win, but hey on its a win

[@Mdsmith747]

Love listing to Marc explain the small details we don't see or appreciate, love that you guys giving him the platform and feed him a topic and just let him talk so good.

[@Amin52J]

Mad respect for Marc Goddard!

[@c_rem6101]

Yo the fact that MMA guru has gotten on DJ's pod and now a call out from y'all all in the same week is insane

[@TMeek94]

He's proof that being a miserable troll can work out for some

[@FedorEmelianenko452]

@@TMeek94it’s just proof he isn’t just a miserable troll.

[@carphucker2973]

@@FedorEmelianenko452 you’re right, trolls live under bridges. Guru’s definitely an ogre

[@jakelongstaff4102]

a troll does it for purely emotional reactions, guru does it for an official reaction or to voice fan opinions. dudes just English tbh, we excel at two things complaining and queueing @@TMeek94

[@ActAccordinglyNow]

Pride rules with elbows…ACROSS THE BOARD.

[@BenjiBoosted]

I'm so glad the community is recognizing mma on point

[@hi_tech_reptiles]

Best MMA/UFC non-match footage (and sometimes that too) content on YT. Keep killing it boys! 💪

[@connorduncan9859]

I think for me seeing a referees perspective is really insightful and gives a lot of context as to what they see how they see it etc, really interesting video would definitely like to see more like this.

[@RedBernie]

I understand why it happens because of the legal issues, but the fact that even at the highest level the rules can change from place to place is just insane to me. All the love to Marc after this as well. Ty for the insight from a refs POV of the sport 🤘

[@GS-to9oe]

Guru’s impression of Goddard is all I hear when I hear Marc speaking… “Hey buddy…hey”

[@realityisjustadream1715]

MMA Guru just got another 5000 subscribers. He will have the biggest channel soon. He is very good at what he does.

[@poot111111]

We've all seen him in the cage, but I certainly haven't heard from Marc enough outside the ring. Of course I also enjoy listening to John McCarthy speak about needed changes since he is as OG as they come but he isn't the only qualified ref I would like to hear from outside of the ring. I think your show lends itself to a friendly ( but highly educated) interview setting that would be perfect to speak to MMA judges too. Maybe they could teach us mere mortals some of the finer details that lead to these wacky scores. I personally would like to hear from some of the more controversial judges that are somehow invited back again and again. I'm sure we all are thinking of a few names that seemingly always find themselves being criticized on Monday morning and this could be an opportunity for them to provide some insight. Just a thought @MMA On Point and thanks for the consistently great content !!!

[@user-yp3uq7zb3j]

Tim Elliot has openly admitted to taking advantage of this grey area with the rules including his last bout against Mokaev. Even if the action gets stopped, a point is rarely taken. It’s a risk worth taking regardless of how you feel about what the rule should be.

[@blasianray]

Glad y’all were able to have this convo with Goddard! Understanding the nuances of the “Unified” rules can be jarring even to non-casual fans.

[@saloonboone]

As a Japanese MMA fan, both old and new, I’ve always advocated for grounded knees and even soccer kicks. A soccer kick can’t be any more traumatic than a standing kick and completely changes the dynamics of the ground game. Stomps are where I draw the line, stomps are legitimately dangerous considering follow up shots on already unconscious opponents.

[@asimpson164]

A soccer kick is significantly more impactful than a standing head kick. The force from a soccer kick is absorbed by the head, the neck and the upper trapezious muscles based on how far they can move before the body part reaches the end of range of motion and stops. Receiving a standing head kick allows you entire body to help dissipate the force and your head will never become the immobile object the soaks up the kinetic energy. You would fall down before that could happen. I am all for more violence and less two sweaty men hugging on canvas but, there are specific situations that must be avoided because the potential for death or TBI is so much higher.

[@saloonboone]

@@asimpson164 It’s hard to find actual studies done on the mechanics of soccer kicks against humans. But we have proof from it still currently being done in RIZIN and other Japanese promotions, that fighters who are aware of the ruleset rarely put themselves in compromising positions that would allow for a devastating soccer kick. Hardly any more dangerous than getting clubbed with a dozen elbows on the ground anyway.

[@asimpson164]

@@jadenl9253 Test it out yourself. Look at highway engineering, why do you think guard rails break away and they use barrels filled with water instead of concrete? It's physics. Maybe like the other guy said and if fighters expect it they won't get put into those situations, idk. Have a friend hold a watermelon up at head height while you kick it. It won't break from your kick but it will break from falling to the ground. Now have your friend hold a watermelon like you were going to kick a field goal. Your foot will shatter that watermelon. The whole thing is about dissipation of energy. Some strikes in some situations make dissipation of energy a big problem for the skull and neck.

[@asimpson164]

@@jadenl9253 Agree to disagree, I guess. If the person holding the watermelon held it tight and didn't allow it to move much then I do agree but if they aren't holding it like that I think it would get kicked out of their hands whole. My big worry about removing the rules is that some fool will get themselves killed and MMA will get changed to something soft or shut down entirely.

[@ChucksSEADnDEAD]

​@@jadenl9253 What he said makes perfect sense. While standing the head is a floating target and the connection of foot/shin and head can cause the trauma that rocks an opponent or knocks him out. But any added energy causes the person to "fold" with the kick, the momentum tips them over. A soccer kick is more akin to whiplash in a car crash, in addition to the trauma from the impact, the head is no longer a floating target and the transfer of momentum will require strain on the neck.

[@koolyt2584]

yo what’s up guys i love your channel you always help me stay up with the ufc and this is one of the only channels i constantly watch

[@MrNuts70]

MMA having different rules in different places is just plain INSANE in 2024 etc. Needs to finally get this done!

[@joshthemediocre7824]

Thank you MMA On Point for making this interview happen. As a long time fan of MMA i've watched the sport grow and change along with the rule set. No doubt in 2024 the rules should all be the same everywhere and you don't need me to tell you how frustrating it is when just the definition of a grounded opponent is different depending where you are, even though it could be the same two fighters, referee, judges, whats considered grounded cannot change from place to place. 12-6 elbows should be as legal as any other strike, thank you for having Marc the man as a guest to try and help move this along, i can't wait to see it fixed because i know we will.

[@allenmk138]

How is a knee on the ground much worse than Yoel or Jorge throwing a flying knee after a takedown attempt? That makes no sense. MVP destroyed Cyborgs face doing that, but a knee on the ground is worse? It's a dumb rule that doesn't help with anything. You should just ban knees to the head if you're really concerned for the fighters health.

[@ChucksSEADnDEAD]

On the ground you are able to "pin" the target and just deliver free shots. Timing a flying knee and hitting it accurately requires a lot more skill and you get exactly one attempt. Rather than just raining consecutive knees until the ref reacts.

[@Les_Grossman80]

This was a brilliant watch. Bravo. 🤘🏼

[@CSDonohue11]

Nice setup for this discussion 👍👏

[@TheCybervoyeur]

This channel really has become huge in MMA. What a great interview with Mr Goddard.

[@buckschlerf653]

Personally I think that grounded knees should be legal, but the same stipulations should apply as to elbows and punches where the Mohawk line is off limits. I don't support grounded kicks however. I think that the only time soccer kicks are effective is when the opponent is already unable to defend themselves, no need to give them an even more dangerous weapon on a defenseless fighter. Up kicks on a fighter in your guard is different though. My gut still says that's a bad idea

[@joshlittke9305]

It’s amazing to see a ref in combat sports taking explaining their actions. Now we just need to see the same for judges!

[@DarkLight-Ascending]

Awesome interview

[@Ryanstein10]

Ahh fresh MMA on Point on my way to work. Nice

[@sobisas]

Another phenomenal video 👏🏼

[@calemccallum9736]

Marc had a lot to say. Leads me to believe he doesn't get the opportunity often. Thanks for giving him a platform.

[@crimsoncamera7783]

Brilliant video lads, keep up the great work!

[@mmayhew]

Oh snap, I missed the 1M followers milestone. Congrats fellas! 🎉🎉

[@random__joe]

They did top 10 houses sold by Al Laquinta 😂

[@oggardner522]

Love how you guys brought on a UFC referee to provide their input - great conversation 👏🏼👏🏼

[@aziahsampson1427]

First Neil, now Marc Goddard. I like it 👍

[@jesterscupcake]

My favorite guest you guys have had. Really enjoyed this conversation.

[@howielee8975]

Brave of Marc to speak up 👏

[@LongSchlongMcBong]

This was a really great interview

[@LarryMayvid]

Guru said weeks ago that he was wrong on that. Not know or remembering that the rules are different in Vancouver

[@guisesrs]

Any time you guys can get a legit voice like this it's excellent! Great vid

[@fernandozapana5071]

love a good mma on point video in the morning

[@SpencerDonahue]

ONE just makes the UFC look utterly behind the times with their rule set. This is like baby steps instead of just making the adjustment to what makes sense. If you can run full speed across the octagon and lay a flying knee out then you should be able to knee a grounded opponent and knee your opponent from your back. DJ's pair of fights with Moraes are immensely more exciting than what we see in the UFC and the ruleset is the reason why.

[@tiredox3788]

Because Asian countries have different rules on MMA then America and Canada.

[@SpencerDonahue]

pay closer attention, ONE did a US event in Colorado with their ruleset @@tiredox3788

[@sosalovesmylfs69]

not yall got marc goddard 😩😩 edit: this was a rlly good episode/video. i rlly enjoy this type of content. i need to join the hall of famers lol. thank you guys though, i love this channel so much

[@brickmoss3480]

amazing content!

[@Legend-bt8qt]

this is actually perfect, and the way he spoke out against the shit perfect

[@austerberrys101]

It's definitely used as a "hack" there is no punishment for failing on TD's just put one or two hands down and ur safe. Grounded for me should be chest to mat, not "Tripod" or "Turtle/all fours". Allowing grounded knee's gives fighters who are stuffing the TD's more opportunity and to stop TD spamming . Also don't agree with what Marc said that allowing grounded knees will then lead to soccor kicks coming back, that's just my opinion tho

[@suhmitt2825]

I just dont want the three point stance being considered grounded. A fighter should be considered grounded only if his/her knee is on the ground.

[@dannydozer]

This was great!

[@Head-Gein]

great conversation about an important issue. Goddard is a great ref.

[@ErosXCaos]

Grappling on the ground can quickly turn to lay and pray. Grounded knees to the head keep the position active. Whenever I’ve seen them used, they aren’t the go-to fight-ending move. They are sprinkled in like any other technique. When they’re trained for and against, grappling becomes far more interesting.

[@shalompal8731]

First time I’ve heard Marc do an interview. Really not surprised that he’s a big football fan. He definitely argues about tactics with his friends

[@Kikibrat2]

God...Marc is sooooo handsome. He's a great ref. One of the best no matter the promotion.

[@Stoned_ID_10_T]

As a casual this makes no sense. If you are on a knee you should still be able to properly defend your head using both your arms. Would you be able to properly defend your head with just one hand on the ground?

[@Billybobble1]

Marc showing why he is the best in the business again. As MMA is a professional sport, I totally agree knees on the ground should not be allowed, fighters should win fights, not end careers. I wish they would ban the oblique kick, as to my knowledge that kick is designed to damage your opponents knee; being caught in an arm bar you can tap or have a limb break, there's a choice, getting hit with a solid oblique kick to the knee, there's not much defence and you might never walk the same again and would likely have to retire. I want fighters to have longevity and provide us as much entertainment as they can for as long as they can (and also earn lots of money for their well-earned retirement).

[@edderz101]

Marcs fantastic at what he does and I'm always happy to listen to him emparting his vast knowledge.

[@blizzardthewizardlizard]

One thing I have always been curious about is if they ever actually measured the power of stomps, kicks, and knees to a downed opponent. Are they actually any more dangerous than a standing strike? I kind of doubt it.

[@ChrisWhalenCPA]

Please address the fake weight classes. People should have to make weight when they are going in the ring. That's the biggest problem.

[@AngryJT]

Having then weigh in multiple times during camp to make sure they're within 10lbs of the weight class seems like it could work. Idk about short notice fights, though.

[@ChrisWhalenCPA]

@@AngryJT I see your point but it should be the moment that they're getting in the cage to fight. That's the only way to have true weight classes. All of this weight cutting and then coming into the ring above the weight class limit is ridiculous.

[@ChucksSEADnDEAD]

​@@ChrisWhalenCPA The problem is that there's no such thing as a true weight class. You you have a steamer in your colon? Your bladder is full? When was the last you are and much did you eat? Your weight fluctuates throughout the day, and the arms race nature of competitive sports will make it obligatory to fight while starving and dehydrated.

[@maxvaldivia723]

Guru/Goddard discussion header: “2 Guys and a Ground”

[@DizzyDez613]

I’ve made mistakes at my job. Luckily I wasn’t on live tv for everyone to see, and then beat the brakes off of me on social media.

[@travesty-studios]

Marc was literally about to jump over the table when he said he wamts soccer kicks and no jujitsu

[@sn1pescity528]

Mark Goddard shouldn’t get any hate for this fight. He made the best possible situation with sh*tty rules. He could’ve taken a point away, hell he could’ve ended the fight. You can’t expect him to see what mosvar is doing with his hand real time, he gave mosvar time to recover in case it was illegal and didn’t take the point in case it wasn’t. Can’t ask for much better until the rules are changed

[@goaboa_]

Grounded Knees, Soccer kicks, and 12-6 meme elbows should all be allowed

[@jonathanmoore7582]

I don't think it would be fair to allow knees to the head of a grounded opponent when they have a hand down trying to defend a takedown along the cage but then when you're defending by sprawling you can't knee them because their knees are down. All the advantages are to the wrestler shooting and no risk for them when they fail. Either allow all knees or takedowns will become much easier.

[@riquelme3764]

Mma rules may suck but we can take comfort in the fact that the scoring system sucks worse

[@nerdgasam6838]

Real interesting to get the refs perspective on these issues!

[@Crijoe]

I'm a hardcore fan and was in the crowd in Buffalo for Weidman vs Mousasi. It was pandemonium when Mousasi was declared the winner after kneeing Weidman. No one knew the new rule.

[@Moortee]

Did oblique kicks come up at all? I ld like to see what Marc thinks about them

[@TheStormbringer8751]

Why?

[@Moortee]

@@TheStormbringer8751 a lot of people think they should be banned cause they destroy your knee. I'm fine with them personally but they're controversial

[@Moortee]

@@TheStormbringer8751 a lot of people think they should be banned cause they destroy the knee. I have no problem with them personally but they're controversial

[@fellowtraveler2251]

Soccer kicks and grounded knees should 100% be allowed. For 1) its a fight, and we arent going to get an accurate representation of that if all it takes to DQ a fighter is for his opponent to place a single finger or both palms on the ground (im looking at you Aljo) 2) there is no scientific evidence that getting kicked or kneed while grounded is any more dangerous for you than being kicked or kneed while standing. There is no significant increase in the force potential (unlike 12 to 6 elbows). 3)Fights would be way more fun and exciting to watch. The fact that a fighter on bottom isnt allowed to upkick his opponent if theyre on theyre knees is ridiculous. It shallows down the game, leads to unnatural fighting positions, allows fighters to abuse the rules, and defeats the whole purpose of intelligent self defense. All this concern for the optics in safety when there are other techniques that are allowed, which actively threaten to permanently cripple fighters (such as oblique kicks). You can stomp the hell out of someones knee-cap but you can kick or knee someone in the face while theyre on their knees / back? What kind of stupid shit is that?

[@ChucksSEADnDEAD]

A standing kick requires either a linear or rotational momentum combined with muscle force to deliver the impact. A soccer kick allows the near full weight of the body to be imparted plus even a short impulse greatly increases momentum carried by the kicker. Forget the science. Let's play a game. I toss a ball in the air and you try to kick it at head level. Then we put the ball on the ground and you give it a free kick. Which technique will drive the ball further? I can answer that for you: it's the free kick. Scrawny 13 year old me has kicked many balls out of school grounds and over next door buildings during recess footy.

[@MrEndzo]

Watch early GSP fights in Canada to see what you can do with grounded knees.

[@cornwallmansiom3831]

Why is there faint background music for this? I kept having to pause to try and figure out where that muffled gargle was coming from

[@Tetratronic]

Goddard is so real. Love it.

[@couldntthinkofanamesoiwrot4711]

I don’t understand the point that marc is making about having a 280 plus man kneeing someone on the ground. Getting kicked in your head at full force isn’t that much better than getting kneed in the face for failing td’s. There has been multiple times people have gotten their face broken skulls cracked etc from punches, elbows, jumping knees, kicks. This sport is brutal and thats just the nature of it. Taking away grounded knees isn’t making the sport any safer if anything it’s hurting it which has been shown multiple times.

[@Tedaus20]

Lmao someone's gotta show Guru this, I need to see his reaction video

[@JesusGarcia-pz6vg]

Hahaha MMA Guru's impression of Goddard is spot on

[@cade1866]

idk if this would be a change more so something I want added. I’ve always thought stuffing takedowns should be equally rewarded. If your opponent attempts 20 and he only gets two, you should be credited with defending 18 imo

[@ChucksSEADnDEAD]

But that benefits defensive grappling skills while leaving defensive striking skills out to dry. Blocks, parries, checks, dodges require good timing and technique as well.

[@joelboutier1736]

I agree with everything the ref said. You can’t have a sport with athletes from all over the world speaking different languages and have different rules depending on which state it was in. It’s too hard on the ref to see if the fingertips were briefly lifted off the ground the moment a knee connects. It’s a stupid rule for a grounded opponent. It’s a situation that is too difficult to discern in real time. Mark Goddard is a good ref.