In a move that has surprised many, retired MMA fighter Chris Leben is set to make his debut as a judge in the state of Nevada. While Leben has been working as a pro referee and judge in California for the past four years, his appointment in Nevada is certainly a significant development. The decision to bring on former fighters as judges comes in the wake of a controversial result in the recent UFC title fight between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko. This has sparked a debate about the role of judges in MMA and whether having former fighters in this position could help address scoring issues.
With his extensive experience in the UFC from 2005 to 2013, Chris Leben brings a unique perspective to the role of a judge. As one of the few fighters to successfully transition into officiating after retirement, Leben’s knowledge of the sport and understanding of the dynamics in the octagon is unquestionable. By having someone like Leben in the judging seat, there is hope that he will be able to provide a more accurate assessment of the fights and avoid controversial decisions like the one in the Grasso vs. Shevchenko fight.
The controversy surrounding the Grasso vs. Shevchenko fight has put the spotlight on judging in MMA. Judge Mike Bell’s score of 10-8 in favor of Grasso in the fifth round has been widely disputed, as it did not appear to accurately reflect the round’s dominance. Many argue that if Bell had scored it 10-9, as most believed he should have, Shevchenko would have been declared the winner and claimed the title. This incident has raised questions about the qualifications and training of judges, leading some to suggest that bringing in former fighters like Chris Leben could be a potential solution.
The addition of Chris Leben to the Nevada State Athletic Commission brings a fresh perspective to the world of MMA judging. As a former fighter himself, Leben understands firsthand the physical and mental demands of competing in the octagon. This knowledge, combined with his years of experience as a referee and judge in California, makes him a valuable addition to the commission. It is hoped that his presence will help bridge the gap between fighters and judges, ensuring fair and accurate scoring in future fights.
Chris Leben is not the first retired MMA fighter to pursue a career in officiating. UFC veteran Frank Trigg has also worked as a referee and judge in California over the past several years. Trigg’s transition from fighter to official has been successful, and he has earned the respect of his peers in the industry. With the addition of both Leben and Trigg to the ranks of judges, it is clear that former fighters have a role to play in shaping the future of MMA judging.
The appointment of Chris Leben as a judge in Nevada is a significant step towards addressing the scoring issues in MMA. By bringing in someone with extensive experience as a fighter, there is hope that judges like Leben can provide a more accurate assessment of fights and avoid controversial outcomes. The controversy surrounding the Grasso vs. Shevchenko fight has shed light on the need for qualified and knowledgeable judges in the sport. With Leben’s unique perspective, it is hoped that he can contribute to the improvement of judging in MMA and ensure fair outcomes for fighters in the future.
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