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UFC's Eye Poke Problem: Namajunas Pushes for Penalties

BBC Sport •
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UFC fighter Rose Namajunas has returned to training after undergoing eye surgery following a fight where she accused opponent Natalia Silva of repeated eye pokes. The 33-year-old American called on the UFC to implement instant purse deductions for eye pokes, whether intentional or accidental, following her injury at UFC 324 in January.

Namajunas revealed she required a silicone tube to repair damage from what she described as multiple eye pokes during her defeat by the Brazilian fighter. "I'm a bit out of shape, but I'm cleared to train now," the former UFC strawweight champion posted on social media, emphasizing how such incidents could seriously affect a fighter's health long-term.

The fighter's proposal comes as she expresses gratitude that her injury wasn't more severe. Namajunas's call for stricter penalties highlights a persistent issue in MMA where eye pokes remain common despite posing significant health risks to competitors. Her personal experience lends weight to arguments for immediate financial consequences for such infractions, potentially reshaping how the organization addresses this safety concern.