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By: Alex Williams, MMATorch Contributor In light of the ABC's recent rule change recommendations, the California State Athletic Commission released a statement clarifying the rules for MMA in its state. The CSAC made it clear that it defines an illegal blow to the back of the head as any strike that lands behind the ears. This differs from the ABC's "Mohawk" definition of such an illegal blow as one that lands on or within one inch on either side of an imaginary straight line drawn down the back of the head. Also contrary to the ABC's recommendation, "12-to-6 o'clock" elbows remain prohibited. On the other hand, as per the ABC's suggestion, smothering an opponent by placing one's hand or forearm over his mouth is now illegal. As expected, the CSAC rejected the ABC's suggestion for new weight classes. Interestingly, MMAWeekly notes via the first link provided that, "It was also stated that the weight differences listed are a guideline and not a rule as to who will be allowed to fight by the commission."
I am not as up on the vigorous "back of the head" debate as I should be, so I am speaking from a relatively naive perspective. Policymakers have agreed for years that punches to the back of the head (as might be administered from rear mount) need to be prohibited. However, Joe Rogan (who, as far as I understand it, is an advocate of the "Mohawk" definition) has expressed concern that a blanket "nothing behind the head" policy might make it so that currently accepted techniques like high kicks to the head are illegal. This needs to be avoided. Catching an opponent behind the ear is not the same as striking the base of his skull.
The illegality of "12-to-6 o'clock" elbows remains silly. As Rogan is fond of saying, it is the same weapon no matter how you throw it.
Why outlaw smothering? The CSAC says it is an "unsportsmanlike trick." What makes it "unsportsmanlike"? True, it requires less skill than, say, an omoplata. But balling up one's fist and throwing a clumsy punch is not a highly-skilled maneuver, yet there is no prohibition against arm punches. And since when is MMA about being a good "sportsman" (whatever that means) anyway? This sport is about determining the world's best fighter. Not that I think there is anyone who benefits from smothering such that he would win bouts that he would lose otherwise, but the whole arbitrary mindset behind such a rule change is frustrating.
Does the CSAC's comment on weight classes "as a guideline" mean that it would be open to super heavyweights fighting heavyweights? If so, good. Fedor certainly doesn't need protection from Bob Sapp or Eric Pele. Maybe there will come a time of highly mobile, highly skilled 265+ pounders who crush "little guys" that weigh 230, but that time is not now.
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