Namajunas wants stronger penalties for eye pokes

Natalia Silva holds her hands on the face of Rose Namajunas

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption,

Rose Namajunas is a two-time UFC strawweight champion

ByBobbie JacksonBBC Sport journalist

Published46 minutes ago

Flyweight Rose Namajunas has called on the UFC to introduce sterner penalties for eye pokes by fighters.

Namajunas, 33, has been cleared to return to training three months after undergoing eye surgery to repair damage suffered in her defeat by Natalia Silva at UFC 324.

Following the fight in January, American Namajunas said Brazilian Silva had poked her in the eye "a few times" and that a silicone tube was required to correct the issue.

Namajunas said on social media on Monday that she was "finally healthy" but urged the organisation to start imposing financial sanctions, whether or not pokes are deliberate.

"I'm a bit out of shape, but I'm cleared to train now," former UFC strawweight champion Namajunas posted.

"I really hope eye pokes will be taken more seriously in the future. I propose instant purse deduction even for an accident.

"An accident that could seriously affect a fighter's health long-term. Anyways, I'm just grateful that it was not more serious."

Referees regularly warn fighters two or three times for fouling with a poke to the eye, and veteran MMA referee Herb Dean said in November there are already rules in place for officials to enforce a points deduction.

The topic of eye pokes has come to the fore over the past six months after UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall's fight with Ciryl Gane in October was ended prematurely.

Gane accidentally poked Briton Aspinall in the eyes late in the first round and the bout was ruled a no-contest.

Aspinall was subsequently diagnosed with a rare eye condition and is yet to return to the octagon after having surgery in February.