Marc Goddard Explains Eye Poke Point Deduction at UFC Vegas 122

Referee Marc Goddard took to social media on Sunday to explain his decision to deduct a point from Christian Leroy Duncan during the main event of UFC Vegas 122 against Brendan Allen.

The incident unfolded after Allen initially complained to Goddard in the first round about Duncan's fingers during clinches. In the second round, Duncan caught Allen with an eye poke. Once Allen was given time to recover, Goddard issued a point deduction against Duncan for the infraction.

Addressing the situation online, Goddard outlined the sequence of events that led to the decisive call. Goddard noted that he had already warned Duncan in the opening round for having outstretched fingers toward Allen's face. He then reiterated that warning prior to the start of the second round, asking Duncan to be careful and mindful of his hands. When the eye poke occurred shortly after, Goddard determined that definitive action was necessary, while still noting that Duncan is an exceptional athlete and a credit to the sport.

Goddard added that dealing with eye pokes both preventatively and correctively remains a firm priority for himself and his referee colleagues. The point deduction ultimately did not impact the final outcome of the contest, as Allen went on to secure a victory via fifth-round rear-naked choke.