Referee Mark Goddard has attempted to clarify a number of issues following this past weekend’s controversial UFC 127 bout between Michael Bisping and Jorge Rivera which he officiated, as well as revealing that Rivera was immediately released from the hospital after doctors failed to find a concussion.Speaking via Fighters Only Magazine, Goddard said:
“When a fighter is fouled [groin shot, eye poke, head kick/knee when grounded etc] unintentionally or otherwise it is not as simple as a straight DQ. Fighters get the chance to recuperate and recover unless it a straight fight ending scenario ie KO, cut, broken bone, dislocation etc. Doctors are called for an expert medical opinion and assessment.”
“Fighters are, should, and must be asked the question “can you continue?” – this is to judge coherency and to give that fighter the option of not fighting on due to the foul that they have been subject to… I have had plenty of fighters choose not to continue. This, in the event of an intentional foul, awards them the DQ win.”
“If when Jorge was asked the question he said no, or I judged him as unsteady or in my experience unable to continue then the fight is waved off and he would have been awarded the win via DQ. Exactly the same steps, method and application should the foul have been the other way around would have been applied.
“Jorge was taken to the hospital immediately after his fight. He was released straight away after being again seen by doctors and there was no concussion incurred.”
Bisping is still awaiting word from UFC President, Dana White over a possible fine and/or suspension following the incident in Sydney, although his team at the Wolfslair MMA Academy have done their best to explain the actions of one of their biggest stars by releasing a statement earlier this week. Stay tuned to MMABay for more on this situation as it comes up.
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