Fighters Only

Issue 108

December 2013

In the aftermath of the NFL’s hundred-million dollar settlement over ex players’ long-term head trauma, we ask the FO universe if it’s time MMA looked into protecting fighters…

YES

Krzysztof Soszynski, semi-retired light heavyweight

10-6 (T)KO record, 26-12-1

I can tell you my head’s not in the same place where it was before the knockouts, and before the hard training sessions, and before the hard sparring sessions in the gym. And especially after my last fight with Igor Pokrajac, where I got (cleanly) knocked out for the very first time in my career like that. I didn’t (completely) wake up for a good 30 minutes after the fight. So it’s especially tough, and in my case, it’s a little different after something like that happens. You never want to be knocked out again. So I can definitely see how a lot more guys are retiring now. I’ve talked about it all the time. It’s really tough on the guys.

NO

Tim Boetsch, top 10 ranked UFC middleweight

7-2 (T)KO record, 16-6

As far as some type of KO restriction, I believe it is up to each individual fighter to make that decision. Me, personally, if I ever get knocked out in practice or in a competition I am done. But other fighters may choose to continue to get knocked out repeatedly until they can’t chew their own food. That’s their choice to make though. I, personally, would probably retire if I ever got knocked out. Most guys will take a week out of training, or until they feel normal again. It can vary greatly depending on the severity of the concussion.