Let’s face it, combat sports needs a lot of work, but for the purpose of this post, we’re specifically focused on MMA and boxing. It should be noted that the latter has an advantage over mixed martial arts thanks to the Ali Act. That said, there is still a plethora of problems that need addressing in boxing.

As far as MMA is concerned, there is a long and winding road ahead of any positive changes, especially with the UFC who set the standard for contract structure by which all other organizations have followed. John Nash has seen contracts from all manner of promotion, large or small, and for the most part, there’s very little difference between them.

So, what are the most glaring issues plaguing boxing? At the top of the list are the sanctioning bodies and how they don’t really do what they’re intended to do. Further compounding the issue is the ABC not really making sure that the sanctioning organizations are enforcing their rules. Just check out the way Association of Boxing Commissions Director Mike Mazzulli answers Aaron Bronsteter’s questions about problems with officiating, and Luke Thomas’ astute commentary about it right here.

Bearing all that in mind, what are some potential solutions to these longstanding issues? If John Nash had his way, he’d make some much needed changes to both sports. One of the things at the top of his list for boxing is making the rankings more objective as well as having title obligations strictly enforced. Step-aside money should have a limitation on how many times a boxer can accept it, as some have abused this privilege.

For MMA, Nash would like to see the Ali Act in place and/or the antitrust suit going to the plaintiffs thus limiting the extreme measures organizations have gone to in the pursuit of locking fighters into draconian contracts. These solutions are years away from coming to fruition, if at all, but John has some ideas for what fighters and boxers can do on their own. You can check those out as well as what his dream scenario would be for both sports collectively in our latest episode.

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