Tamirez Vidal’s technical knockout loss to Melissa Gatto at UFC Fight Night 241 was caused by a punch to the chest, sparking controversy in the women’s MMA world.
Taynara Lisboa, who was part of the UFC Fight Pass Brazil commentary team for the event, pointed out that the rules are the same for men and women, meaning there is no foul against blows to the chest. However, Professor Lisboa pointed out that such attacks can cause the appearance of nodules that can lead to breast cancer.
The need for discussion gained even more attention after the match between reporters Evelyn Rodriguez and Melissa Gatto.
“As I was studying for the match, I noticed that she had been in a lot of pain from getting punched in the chest in previous matches, so I told the referee who came to the locker room before the match that I I asked him if he hit the area.” That would be a foul, but he clarified that it was not illegal. [strike]” Gatto said. “The referee himself made it clear that if I hit her and she asked to stop, I should continue fighting. Only when I said so did he himself say it. That’s what I did.
Lisboa’s remarks and Gatto’s interview sparked further discussion on the topic after UFC Fight Night 241. Speaking on Sunday’s Youtube podcast Moment Bravo, IMMAF referee director Guilherme Bravo stressed that Gatto played by the rules.
“Melissa was smart. She studied the rules, noticed her opponent’s weaknesses and worked on them,” Bravo said. “The issue here is not to blame the athletes, but to create the necessary discussion about the evolution of a sport that is now played by men and women, but the rules were only created by men.”
Carlao Barreto, the main commentator on UFC Fight Pass Brazil, agreed with Bravo on Monday’s “Papo de Ruta” podcast.
“As soon as it finished airing, I sent a message to Claudia Gadelha, who is now an employee of the UFC,” Barrett said. “Women need to come together to do something. It might not necessarily change the rules, but it would at least create an official costume for girls that requires them to wear a protective bustier. The UFC isn’t redesigning gloves to advance the sport, it would be the same way to protect women, especially since research has already shown a link between blows to the chest and breast cancer. If there is, all the better.”
Bravo also pointed out that the Association of Boxing Commissions will be holding a major meeting this year to define the rules for down fighters, which would be a great opportunity to discuss this issue as well.
“Debate is always important to the evolution of the sport,” he said. “I think they can use this year’s important ABC vote to bring this issue to the table. This is a serious situation.”
