Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen is the latest high-profile figure to chime in on eye pokes in MMA.
Joe Rogan has previously provided a simple solution for the problem that has plagued recent UFC events.
Still, the issue persists in 2025. Henry Cejudo suffered a technical decision defeat when he was unable to continue fighting after taking several eye pokes from Song Yadong in the UFC Seattle main event last weekend.
On Saturday night, flyweight star Manel Kape faced cheating claims after landing multiple eye pokes before stopping Asu Almabayev with strikes in the third round of their UFC Vegas 103 headliner.
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Chael Sonnen shares eye poke solution
Following Cejudo’s controversial defeat, Chael Sonnen shared his thoughts on MMA’s eye poke problem.
‘The American Gangster’ pointed out the existence of a glove specifically designed to prevent the painful foul.
Sonnen implored the UFC to use it as he sarcastically marvelled at the fact he’s never eye poked anyone.
The 47-year-old also called for stricter punishments for anyone who lands the fight-changing blow.
“If you want to solve eye pokes today, cover the glove,” Sonnen said on his YouTube channel.
“There is a glove that will cover the fingertips. If your finger goes straight, it’s still a rounded glove.
“I fought for 22 years as a professional. 51 men. Five days a week we sparred. Of all those rounds, of all that sparring, I’ve never touched anybody’s eye. What is it about my hand? Why does my hand not go into the eye?
“If you want something to go away, you punish it different. There’s only two rules in the sport. Don’t kick the son of a b—- when he’s down, and don’t poke him in the eye. If you do either, it’s a disqualification – or quit talking about it and accept that it’s part of the sport.”
Henry Cejudo calls for rule change
Cejudo called for a rule change while providing a grim update on his injured eye last Sunday.
“Did Song do it intentionally? No. Should there be a point deducted? 100 percent, man,” Cejudo continued.
“I just hope that the UFC can maybe allow replays for things like that, and then the referee can make the decision whether [it’s a foul].
“Bro, something has to be done. I think as referees too we could all learn. I also think for the UFC, maybe there should be something where there is a replay, where the referee is able to see the replay. Even if it wasn’t intentional, you still cannot do this.”
Later, Cejudo spoke with referee Jason Herzog, who admitted he made a major mistake at UFC Seattle.
It’s currently unclear what Dana White and the other UFC bosses plan to do about their eye poke problem.