We’re thoroughly satisfied by the UFC’s decision to make all main events five rounds. We’re also cool with that change arriving immediately after the preexisting contracts for three round main events are contested. It’s one of the many changes MMA fans have been itching to see since the Zuffa purchased the UFC and installed sanctioning bodies to MMA. The next change we’d like to see is the implementation of “sudden death” rounds in the event that the judges can’t render a clear and decisive winner, regardless of the number of rounds in the fight. While the phrase “sudden death” isn’t the kind of thing you want to hear in the context of MMA, we completely support the rule because it would make things infinitely easier to sort out when the degenerate gamblers out there have their bar tabs at stake. If you’re reading this, Noel, you still owe me for two Yuenglings because Frankie ended up beating Gray and their draw was finally settled. Stop trying to pretend like they’re 1-1-1 and that we have to wait for a 3rd rematch.
Luckily, the UFC has agreed to give the sudden death rounds a chance for their upcoming featherweight tournament. Demetrious Johnson told Tapout Radio that he signed a contract where a draw with Ian McCall would not be possible:
“I don’t know if anybody has said anything about it, and this is the first time I’m mentioning it, is that we had to sign for a ‘sudden death’ bout. If it goes to three rounds, and the judges can’t decide who the winner is, then we’ll do a fourth round.”
“I’m assuming that it’s for me and Ian McCall. I can’t say if it’s going to be for Joseph (Benavides) and Yasuhiro (Urushitani), because I’m not gonna say that the UFC made those guys sign, too. I’m telling you, specifically, that I signed a contract for an extra round on the bout agreement. I’m not gonna say that they did. I’m assuming, in my unprofessional opinion, that they did as well.”
As far as we know, this is the first time that this rule has been applied to the UFC’s talent pool; while it’s something we’re used to seeing in Japan, notably in K-1. Both fighters are confident they won’t need the 4th round, but we’re happy it’s there just like that paper sleeve sitting between your plastic tray and your Whopper value meal at Burger King. It adds that extra layer of security that no part of your hamburger’s toppings will hit the plastic in the event of the pickles shifting the onions around when you lift the burger from its cardboard shelter – all lettuce will fall atop an illustration reminding you how healthy the food is. [Source]
