Longtime UFC welterweight contender Jorge Masvidal suggested a financial penalty for eye pokes in MMA, fining fighters 20% of their purse.
Masvidal spoke on the “Deep Waters” podcast about his disdain for eye pokes in MMA, echoing what former UFC women’s strawweight champion Rose Namajunas recently said. In Masvidal’s opinion, the way to fix the eye-poke problem in the sport is to fine fighters a portion of their purse, with Masvidal pegging that number at 20%.
“I’ve never eye poked anybody in my whole career. I’ve got 52, 53 fights, so there is something that it is in our hands. I know that things could happen in a fight and you could get poked by accident, but a lot of times as a referee, we can tell when it’s intentional or when this guy’s just doing this stupid (expletive), you know a little bit Jon Jones-ish, every time you come in I’m going to give you a little eye check. Just step back with my hands open. Immediate point deduction, yellow card. Take money from the purse, too. Take 20 percent,” Masvidal said (via MMAFighting.com).
Jorge Masvidal Wants to Hit Fighters Where it Hurts
Mixed martial artists are inherently prizefighters, so as far as Masvidal goes, the way to punish them for poking their opponents in the eye is to hit it where it hurts the most: their wallet.
“Hit them where it hurts because I’m a fighter and you immediately say anything about my paycheck, I’m going to be like, ‘Oh, you’re saying if I’m late here I’m going to get deducted?’ I’ll never be late. But if you don’t say that, I’ll show up whenever I want, you know?” Masvidal said.
Eye pokes have become a big issue in MMA, with the outcome of many fights changing because some athletes can’t keep their hands closed. But if the fighters start to get fined and lose money, perhaps this is the change needed to fix the problem.
Jorge Masvidal Rumored for UFC Comeback
The 41-year-old Masvidal has been rumored to make his comeback to the UFC this year after three years away from the promotion. Since he left the UFC in 2023, Masvidal has competed in boxing, fighting rival Nate Diaz in 2024. He has not competed in combat sports since then, but he has been linked to a UFC comeback sometime this year.
We recently linked Masvidal to a potential comeback bout as UFC superstar Conor McGregor, who is also making his own comeback to the Octagon after several years away. It seems like the UFC is going with Max Holloway as McGregor’s opponent, instead, but there are plenty of other potential opponents for Masvidal inside the Octagon. Despite being in his 40s and having not fought in several years, he is still a huge name and someone who was a proven pay-per-view seller before he left the UFC last time. If and when his next fight is booked, look for Masvidal to get a high placement on whatever card he returns on. Hopefully, we get some clarity soon on Masvidal’s comeback, as he’s a popular fighter and also a very exciting one to watch compete.
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