Matt Hume's Explanation of the Nog-Ricco Fight

[Your Paragon of Virtue 0]

Most of you bitched after Pride: Total Elimination that Ricco was screwed over in this fight and that it was a situation akin to Holyfield/Lewis I. I was actually surprised to hear all three commentators to say that Ricco won the fight, especially considering the way an MMA fight is judged, as opposed to say, boxing. It doesn't go by rounds, but rather the fight as a whole. Ricco looked great in the fight, but he didn't shrug off submissions the same way Fedor did, and didn't really attack AT ALL. Nog pressed the fight and got the victory. Simple as that. Of course, I'm not the one whom you should be arguing with, so here's Matt Hume's explanation:

 

LOS ANGELES, California - On August 10, 2003, Dream Stage Entertainment held its most recent event, TOTAL ELIMINATION, which we sincerely hope our fans enjoyed.

In the aftermath of the show, one of the most talked about fights was the Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira/Ricco Rodriguez match. There was an overwhelming amount of fan emails and internet discussions regarding the unanimous decision awarded to Nogueira.

 

Because of this, DSE has decided to explain exactly why Nogueira was awarded the decision when so many fans believed Rodriguez won the match.

 

First, what must be understood is that DSE has no bias for or against UFC fighters. Whoever wins the match, wins the match, regardless of organization. However, when competing in Pride FC, matches are judged according to our criteria. This system of judging has been in place for more than two years and is constantly improved upon in attempts to bring fans the most exciting matches possible. The rules and judging criteria are always made clear to the fighters during a meeting (prior to the event), so that all competitors are aware on how the matches will be judged.

 

One of the regular judges at Pride FC is Mr. Matt Hume. Many know him as a fighter, trainer, and manager … all in all, he is well respected and known in our industry. Mr. Hume was one of the judges during TOTAL ELIMINATION and on behalf of all three judges from that event, he has taken the time to explain how and why Nogueira was awarded a unanimous decision.

 

In addition, this explanation was also cleared by Pride FC's Rules Director, Yuji Shimata, who oversees all judges and referees.

 

Pride FC Judging Criteria and the Nogueira-Rodriguez Match

 

By Matt Hume

 

The judging system used in Pride FC has been developed and refined by experts in the industry over the course of the event's entire existence. The philosophy behind the criteria is to encourage the fighters to finish the fight. We believe this creates the most exciting fight for the fans and rewards the fighter who is making the necessary effort.

 

The criteria is as follows:

 

Effort to finish the fight by KO or submission

Damage

Standing combinations and ground control

Takedowns and defense

Aggressiveness

Weight differences (15 Kilos or more at heavyweight) (10K at middleweight)

These criteria are in order of priority or importance. They are considered in descending order if a fight goes to a decision.

 

1. Effort to finish by KO or submission:

Fighters who are striking with force and intention that may result in a KO will be awarded in this criteria, that applies both standing and on the ground. "Catch" or near submissions, as well as multiple attempts will score in this criteria.

2. Damage:

Any strike that does damage or accumulations of strikes that result in damage are awarded here. Damage may be visible such as a cut or bruised leg, or it may be shown by an opponent's reaction to a strike such as favoring a leg that has been kicked or turning away from a body shot. A near submission may also result in damage points.

3. Standing combinations and ground control:

When a fighter lands a skillful combination of strikes while standing, they are awarded this criteria. Ground control is awarded by achieving dominant positions and holding them. Dominant positions are side control, mount, back mount with hooks, knee ride, and north-south. Neutral positions are standing and in guard. Fighters are encouraged to strive for dominant position throughout the fight.

4. Takedown and defense:

A skillfully executed takedown will score in this category, repeatedly stopping your opponent's takedown will also score in this category. Multiple takedowns, even if not executed skillfully will also score here.

5. Aggressiveness:

The fighter who is pressing the action while standing, seeking dominant position on the ground and working to finish the match, will score here.

6. Weight difference:

If a fighter is more than 15 Kilos lighter at heavyweight or 10 Kilos at middleweight, then he will be given an advantage here. This is only taken into consideration when the higher criteria are even.

 

 

Negative points - yellow cards:

When the fighters are fighting as demanded by the criteria, there is no need for interference from referees or judges. However, when a fighter is not fighting in this manner, then he may receive a yellow card penalty. The fighters are encouraged to engage and strike or attempt takedowns when standing, by the referee's command of "action." When on the ground, fighters are encouraged to seek dominant positions, forced reversals or return to the feet by the referee's command of "improve position." When in a dominant position, a fighter is encouraged to finish by effective striking or submission by the referee's command of "work to finish." If either fighter does not obey the command and actively seek dominant positions and finishes, they may receive a yellow card, which will result in a negative point deduction. Any intentional fouls or unsportsmanlike conduct may also result in a yellow card and negative point.

 

Let's take a look at the recent match between Nogueira and Rodriguez to better understand the criteria:

 

1. Effort to finish by KO or submission:

Nogueira wins by a large margin due to his multiple submission attempts and active attack. Based on this, there is no reason to consider any further criteria as they are in descending order, however, for educational purposes we will continue.

2. Damage:

No damage from striking by either party. Possible damage from deep Kimura in round 3 by Nogueira, however, no award given to either.

3. Standing combinations and ground control:

Neither fighter showed superiority in standing skill. Nogueira dominated ground control as he constantly went for submission and gave away neutral position for inferior position, yet he was able to move back to neutral position with relative ease each time. Nogueira also had a forced reversal. Rodriguez had a reversal while Nogueira was passing guard. Forced reversals are more difficult to achieve and more valuable for ground control. Rodriguez was warned many times throughout the match to improve position but chose to stay in neutral guard without damaging strikes or attempts to pass to dominant position.

4. Takedown and defense:

Nogueira scored one clean takedown and defended 2 times. Ricco scored 3 Takedowns. Ricco wins this criteria.

5. Aggressiveness:

Nogueira wins by a large margin due to his many attempts at submission and his forward progression while striking. The referee warned Ricco many times in this area, but did not award a yellow card penalty.

6. Weight difference:

N/A. Ricco had a sizeable weight advantage but was not more than 15 kilos.

 

Penalties: No penalties were given although Ricco had many warnings to improve position.

 

Decision: Nogueira

 

Pride FC's judging criteria requires an intimate knowledge in all areas of fighting. Pride's judges are diverse and experienced in these areas and constantly strive to improve their knowledge. Additionally, Pride FC officials review the bouts and system on an ongoing basis to continually evolve and improve the system when appropriate. It is our desire that as we grow in our knowledge that we would also provide opportunity for the fans to become better educated with the intricacies of fighting. We hope that this piece has been helpful in that process. Look for more video educational pieces to come in the upcoming pay per view installments of Pride FC. Thank you for your support of Pride FC and the MMA community.

 

Best regards,

 

Matt Hume,

 

Official Judge, Pride FC

 

By the way, I realize that I am a little late on this, since the event took place about a month ago, and even the explanation was posted awhile back at www.pridefc.com. Nonetheless, I thought it would garner some interest as there hasn't been much MMA debate, like ever, on the forum, and there hasn't been much news as of late.

 

On a final note, most people already want to see a Cro Cop/Fedor fight, but I don't think they should do it at Final Conflict. I believe that Fedor should get another non-title bout, ideally against Ricco. Cro Cop would fight Nog and the winner would face Fedor at the first US show in early 2004. Similar to what they did at Pride 23 actually, with Fedor beating down Herring and Nog taking on Schilt. I'd also like them to have just one round per night for the GP, but I doubt that's going to happen.

 

I'm done.

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

Cro Cop has said that he wants one more fight with a ground-fighter/grappler before he gets in the ring with Fedor.

 

I forget the Pride match where Matt Hume was on commentary along with Bas and Stephen, but it was one of the most informative things on the way Pride fights are judged and every fan needs to hear it.

[Your Paragon of Virtue 0]

Yeah, I remember watching that too, although like you I don't remember what match it was or even what PPV. *Does quick Google search* Still can't find it, but I believe it was Pride 17. Don't quote me on that one though.

 

Okay, not that I think he'd win, but am I alone in thinking that Mark Coleman has a legitimate shot at taking out Cro Cop? It's a good match up for him, but Cro Cop is probably too quick. Still, Coleman is a world class wrestler, and it would be an interesting fight nonetheless, because at this point he's a "mini-Fedor", so to speak. Now that I think about it, it would be a perfect match-up in so many ways. Doubt Coleman would take it though, or he'd come up with an excuse in advance.

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

"Oh man brother, I'd love to fight Crocop man, but you see, I got a flat tire and those lil plastic things on the tips of the shoelace on my shoes, yeah, those things fell off and I can't quite tie my shoes properly and I can't fight with those conditions - my mind would be on other things, but I'd kick Mirko's ass if we ever fought - I'm the GP fuckin Champion, brother."

[Your Paragon of Virtue 0]

I think it would be a great test for CroCop, as I can't see him losing. On top of that, it would finally get Coleman to drop his GP Title.

 

On a side note, am I the only one who hates the new "commentator"? I don't even care about his fucking name, he has to be the worst in any sport. At least Quadros offered some insight on the matches, something that's rare in any sort of commentary these days. This guy just tells me what they are doing, and can't even state the actual names of whatever it might be. "Fedor is punching Big Daddy." "Noguiera is attempting a triangle on Ricco." That motorcycle analogy was the worst. I just wish Bas would give him a liver shot and bring back Steven. That man really IS the fight professor.

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

Damon Perry is the new guys name.

 

I dunno if Cro Cop could beat Coleman. He hasn't faced a wrestler with nearly the ability that Mark has and I doubt Mark would even think about playing the standup game with Mirko and would be more than satified with Laying and Praying for the decision.