Issue 123
December 2014
Aundre Jacobs
Fighters Only magazine assistant editor
YES
The yellow card system used in Pride was a great concept as it ensured fighters delivered inside of the ring. As much as mixed martial arts is a sport, it’s also about entertainment. When a fighter doesn’t go out of their way to advance position on the ground and look for a submission or strikes, or if they’re unwilling to fully engage in the stand-up, they’re effectively failing to do their job to the best of their ability. They’re not providing entertainment. However, if you threaten to take away 10% of a fighter’s purse for not committing to the action then they’re put in a position where they have no choice but to fight. Surely the return of the card system would eliminate MMA’s dreaded lay ‘n’ pray tactic for good.
Enson Inoue
Japanese-American former Pride heavyweight
NO
It would not make much of a difference today because the referees will give a warning and deduct points. A yellow card would be advantageous to the fans so they can understand what’s going on in a fight and why the referee is stopping the action perhaps. It might be a good way to stop fighters from doing nothing as once they got a yellow card that was 10% of their purse deducted. However, I don’t think it would necessarily make fights more exciting than they are already because the threat of getting a point deducted for stalling is just as threatening as getting a yellow card. I’m sure a lot of fighters were afraid of getting a yellow card in Pride, but I didn’t really care because I always came to fight.
What you had to say on the matter...
NO
“Not until fighter pay increases. A percentage out of an already low purse is unfair. The point deduction system is fine atm.”
@morganmackmahh
YES
“Yes!! Only way to stop negative tactics and avoidance fighting is to fine fighters. Yellow cards a must.”
@kezzy86
NO
“No. I always found it to have little consequence. But something does need to be done about pokes and knees to the groin.”
@iamdannyberry
YES
“It definitely should be trialled at some events.”
@chokewho
