Oktagon MMA is introducing open scoring for all its fights, starting with their next event in the Czech Republic on Friday, Dec. 29. They announced this change on Wednesday. Oktagon 51 will begin at 12 p.m. ET at Prague’s O2 Arena.
Athletes and their coaches will receive open scores during the fight. The scores will also display to the audience and viewers after each round. MMA Fighting confirmed that Oktagon MMA plans to use open scoring at all future events.
Many fighters have demanded open scoring recently. It gives competitors a clear idea of their standing in close matches. However, some critics argue that this could lead fighters with a strong lead to ease off in the later stages to secure a win.
In the U.S., Invicta FC is the only major promotion consistently using open scoring. State athletic commissions must approve it for events.
Oktagon MMA’s upcoming event, featuring this new scoring system, will have a headline match between UFC veterans Bojan Veličković and Andreas Michailidis. They are competing in the welterweight tournament finals. The winner will receive a €300,000 prize, equivalent to over $333,000.
PHOTO CREDIT: @OKTAGONMMA