It has been announced that retired former pro MMA fighter, Chris Leben, will be making his debut as a judge in Nevada on the upcoming UFC Fight Night card. This news comes after Leben has spent the past four years working as a pro referee and judge in California. A notable figure in the MMA community, Leben fought in the UFC from 2005 to 2013, and now he is ready to bring his expertise to the judging table.
Recently, the issue of judging has come under intense scrutiny in the world of MMA. This follows a controversial result in the Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko 2 UFC title fight, where the bout ended in a split draw. The contentious decision left many questioning the scoring system and the competence of the judges involved.
One of the key points of contention in this particular fight was judge Mike Bell’s scoring of the fifth round. Bell awarded a 10-8 in favor of Grasso, a decision that many felt was unwarranted given the round’s lack of dominance. Jeff Mullen, the executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), openly expressed his disagreement with Bell’s score during a training call. It is worth noting that had Bell scored the round 10-9 for Grasso, as many believed he should have, Shevchenko would have emerged as the victor and claimed the title.
In light of the ongoing judging controversies, the idea of having former fighters work as judges has gained traction. Some argue that individuals who have competed in the octagon themselves have a better understanding of the sport and are more equipped to accurately assess a fight’s outcome.
Chris Leben’s transition from fighter to referee and judge is a testament to the potential benefits of having former fighters in such roles. The 43-year-old Oregon native is one of a select few who have made the leap from competing to officiating after retirement. Leben’s firsthand experience in the cage, including his memorable UFC middleweight title eliminator against Anderson Silva in 2006, gives him a unique perspective that could contribute to fairer and more accurate judging.
Another former UFC veteran, Frank Trigg, has also been working as a referee and judge in California over the past several years. Trigg’s involvement in the officiating side of MMA demonstrates that the trend of former fighters taking on these roles is not limited to just one individual.
The introduction of former fighters as judges in MMA brings with it the potential for positive change. Their firsthand experience and deep understanding of the sport may lead to more consistent and accurate judgments. However, it is important to recognize that the issue of judging in MMA is complex and multifaceted. Merely including former fighters as judges is not a guaranteed solution.
Nevertheless, the addition of Chris Leben to the ranks of judges in Nevada is an exciting development. It reflects a growing recognition of the need to address the shortcomings of the current judging system in MMA. With the right combination of expertise, training, and open-mindedness, former fighters turned judges could help bring about a more reliable and fair assessment of fights, ensuring that deserving fighters receive their rightful victories.
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