UFC's Concussion Policy Puts NFL's to Shame

People who aren't familiar with the state athletic commissions that regulate boxing and mixed martial arts might have been surprised by this quote from Chuck Liddell, who was knocked out at UFC 71 Saturday night:

"I like to fight. My suspension is up in 45 days. I'll be ready then."

Yes, Liddell is currently suspended for 45 days. He didn't break any rules, but the Nevada State Athletic Commission has a firm policy that all boxers and mixed martial arts fighters who lose a fight by knockout or technical knockout must wait at least 45 days until they can be cleared to fight again. It's a safety precaution that is intended to give fighters who have suffered brain damage time to recuperate and seek medical attention.

That couldn't be more different from the NFL, where players often go back in games just minutes after suffering concussions. If NFL players miss time because of concussions at all, it's rarely more than a week. Last week the NFL took a positive step by mandating baseline neurological exams, but football still has a lot of work to do before its concussion policies meet with the approval of the majority of neurologists.

Obviously, there are big differences between the sports: Boxers and mixed martial arts fighters rarely fight more than a few times a year anyway. But the fact that mixed martial arts (which still gets tarnished with that annoying "human cockfighting" phrase) has a more safety-oriented approach to concussions than the NFL says something about both sports.

Previously at FanHouse:
Mixed Martial Arts Is Safer Than Boxing
Report: Too Much Partying Led to Loss for Chuck Liddell
Chuck Liddell Loses; Where Does UFC Go From Here?
UFC 71: Chuck Liddell vs. Quinton Jackson Live Blog