[quote name='Kuroi Kaze']this used to be more true but with all the rules i don't think it is very real world. punches/elbows to the back of the head and knees/kicks from any position would be much more realistic. hanging on to someone with their finger tips touching the ground so they can't be kneed is a clear indication we're in a "sport" situation here. once it is a given that were are talking sports, then the rules/scoring need to be constructed in such a way that stalling and other non-entertaining tactics need to be deincentivized much as they are in every professional sport. they all have rules changes and such in their history and MMA is really no exception.
if i could change anything about MMA it would be the following:
1. No referees that have not trained/passed an intensive instructional course that will help them make smart decisions in MMA fights.
2. No judges that have not passes same/similar course.
3. Knees (preferably kicks as well) are legal in any position (keep safety rules to back of the head/spine, though).
That's it. NSAC won't let any of these happen though.
Also, nobody said stuffing takedowns gets points, but rather the takedown is worth zero if you get right back up. That's all. On the street a takedown that does no damage or keeps you down isn't worth much either, right?[/QUOTE]
I agree about knees. It's really no different than elbows. So, as long as you still prevent blows to the back of the head, it should be allowed. But generally, kicking a man while he's down is considered to be "dirty". I understand the merit it brings to the game, but we might as well argue for hair pulling and eye gouging too.
I agree that referees and judges need more training though. Even outside the issue of overvaluing takedowns, the fact that some judges can be so far apart on scores (one judge gives 30-27 for fighter A, another judge gives 29-28 for fighter B...which has happened several times recently), it's pretty clear they have no clear idea what they're looking for. Also, some referees listen to the crowd too much. They stand fighters up when they're obviously working, or stop a fight because the guy trying to end it is just swinging his arms wildly.
As for the "on the street" argument, I still say taking someone down, controlling them and preventing them from doing anything to you is winning a fight. It might not be the brawl you had envisioned, but it's physically dominating a person. It doesn't do damage, but it can break their spirit. I will admit, ideally though, it should lead to some kind of choke.