UFC commentator Joe Rogan has called for a basketball court-like arena to replace the traditional MMA octagon.
Rogan also recommended another new change that wrestlers and grapplers would love.
The 57-year-old has worked for the UFC for nearly 30 years, starting as an interviewer in 1997 and most recently commentating on the UFC 314 Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes card.
It was a card that produced good moments such as Paddy Pimblett’s domination of previous title challenger Michael Chandler.
But the UFC seems to be facing concerns such as a decline in pay-per-view numbers and the loss of star power.
Fans across social media have complained about the fight promotion becoming a right-wing mouthpiece for Donald Trump while others have complained about the pricing of events.
Maybe Rogan’s ideas can introduce a much needed spark.
“I got some wacky ideas,” said Rogan. “I don’t even think they should fight in a cage.
“I think the cage is an unnecessary element in fighting. To push someone against something or to be able to get up from something. I don’t think it’s necessary.
“I think it should be like a basketball court that’s matted up. Have a big space.
“Have a warning track where if you go outside the warning track too many times, you could lose points.”
Combat sports such as Judo and Taekwondo have a similar setting.
This would heavily favour wrestlers and grapplers as someone defending or trying to escape a take down will not have a fence to support their weight.
Casual fans have previously complained about a perceived lack of action on the feet so a drastic change such as that may not be welcome.
That was not the only thing Rogan suggested that would benefit the likes of Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira.
“I think at the end of a round, say if you got a guy mounted at the end of the round, you start the next round mounted on him,” he said.
“Because why would you give him the advantage of getting up when he never got up?
“You have to earn a get up. You have to stand up by yourself. No standups ever.”
