The Brazilian Athletic Commission, better known in Brazil as the Comissao Atletica Brasileira Da MMA (CABMMA) announced they have approved instant replay for all professional MMA fights, it is effective immediately.
CABMMA was assisted by longtime referee ?Big? John McCarthy in getting the process approved, but it will only be used for major MMA events, not minor or amateur MMA events. It will be up to the CABMMA to decide which events fall under the 'major' criteria.
The CABMMA issued a statement earlier today about the new provision.
?Once the referee reviews the replay, the referee can confirm (whether) or not an offense has been committed and has caused the end of the fight,? the release stated. ?It should be noted that the instant replay is not to be used to evaluate the actions of referee.?
The UFC itself will be returning to Brazil this coming November for UFC Fight Night 100, headlined by Ryan Bader and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. No word on if the event could utilize instant replay.
The CABMMA is the only entity to issue a statement on the rule addition. The UFC, John McCarthy or any other major MMA organization has yet to issue a statement of any kind on the matter.