Eye poke - UFC/MMA
In the UFC, eye pokes are a serious issue that has led to changes in glove design and rules. Traditional UFC gloves, which allow for relatively free fingers, can inadvertently facilitate eye pokes, especially when fighters extend their hands to manage distance (hand fighting). After an eye poke, the referee stops the action and grants the affected fighter up to five minutes to recover. The commission's physician examines the eye to determine if the fighter can continue. If the eye poke is severe enough to prevent continuation, the outcome depends on intent: if accidental, the fight is ruled a no contest or the fighter ahead on the scorecards wins; if intentional, it results in disqualification. The UFC has introduced redesigned gloves to reduce eye pokes, but the problem persists.
Eye poke
The trilogy between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad was marked by a devastating eye poke in their first fight at UFC Fight Night 187. The accidental strike closed Muhammad's eye, leading to a no contest and delaying their years-long rivalry.
Eye poke & Foul
An eye poke is considered one of the most serious fouls in MMA due to its potential health consequences for the fighter. Unlike other fouls such as fence grabbing, an eye poke can cause permanent vision damage and prematurely end a fight or a career. Foul.
FAQ - Eye poke
Why are eye pokes so common in the UFC?
Eye pokes are common due to the design of UFC gloves that leave fingers relatively free. When fighters extend their hands to manage distance (hand fighting), fingers can accidentally enter the eyes.
Has the UFC done anything to reduce eye pokes?
The UFC has developed new gloves with a curved design that tends to naturally bend the fingers inward, reducing the risk of eye pokes. The transition to the new gloves is ongoing.
