McGregor's coach proposes bold rule changes to address UFC Controversy

The UFC is home to some of the most skilled and talented fighters in the world, but even the best are not immune to controversy. Over the years, many UFC athletes have pushed the limits of the sport’s rules, leading to ongoing debates among fans about fairness. However, according to Conor McGregor’s longtime coach, John Kavanagh, the solution to this problem is simple: harsher penalties for any fighter who breaks the rules, or, in an even bolder suggestion, the removal of certain rules altogether.

Kavanagh, a seasoned MMA coach, has witnessed countless instances where fighters took advantage of gray areas in the rules, often escaping without significant punishment. From illegal strikes to fence-grabbing, these moments have frustrated fans and called into question the integrity of the sport. Kavanagh believes it’s time for UFC officials to take a stronger stance on rule-breaking, starting with immediate point deductions, without warnings or second chances.

A call for stricter enforcement

In a recent social media post, Kavanagh expressed his frustration with the current state of rule enforcement in the UFC, stating that fighters rarely face consequences for clear violations. “How often do you see a point deduction for a clear rule break like fence or glove grab? 1 in every 1000 times? If that?” Kavanagh tweeted. His message is clear: if the UFC wants to maintain fairness and discipline, it must either enforce its rules consistently or eliminate them.

According to Kavanagh, the current system of warnings and minimal repercussions doesn’t discourage fighters from pushing boundaries. However, he believes that if fighters faced immediate point deductions for rule-breaking, their behavior would change dramatically. “Fighters don’t care about a scolding, but point deductions will change behavior,” Kavanagh explained. In his view, the fear of losing points-and ultimately losing a fight-would force fighters to play by the rules.

The McGregor-Khabib controversy revisited

Kavanagh’s comments are especially relevant considering his star pupil, Conor McGregor, has been at the center of similar controversies. During McGregor’s highly publicized bout against Khabib Nurmagomedov, fans and commentators noticed several instances where McGregor appeared to break the rules, including grabbing the fence and delivering illegal strikes. Despite these violations, McGregor faced no official punishment, leaving many to question the consistency of rule enforcement in high-profile fights.

Even UFC commentator Joe Rogan pointed out McGregor’s illegal moves during the fight, further fueling the debate. In response, McGregor, known for his fiery personality, took to social media to defend his actions in a since-deleted post. “Shut up Joe, you little fool. What are you talking about?” McGregor wrote, adding his signature bravado to the controversy.

A new era for UFC?

Kavanagh’s proposal could mark a significant shift in how the UFC approaches fighter misconduct. By enforcing strict point deductions or reconsidering certain rules altogether, the UFC could create a fairer, more disciplined environment for athletes. Whether or not the UFC will adopt these changes remains to be seen, but Kavanagh’s bold suggestions are already sparking conversations within the MMA community.