Tapping...

[Xero]

When did the tapping rule come into effect for submissions? I remember when they had to actually 'say' that they quit, then I started noticing that they had to tap.

[Hitman84]

If I'm not mistaken, it was a gimmick thing introduced with Ken Shamrock's debut as you tap out in UFC. But I wouldn't be surprised if the screwjob also had something to do with it - given that Bret neither tapped nor said he submitted - to cover their backs in the future.

I am, of course, speculating. If this is not the real reason, please feel free to correct me.

[Jonster]

I thought it was after Shamrock had that Tapout match with someone I can't remember. It was basically a submission match where they had to tap instead of saying they give up, and then shortly after that it was changed to tapping.

It also makes more sense as the crowd can see someone tap, whereas you can't hear them give up.

[Xero]

Yeah, I guess that makes sense. :y:

[The Ravishing One]

If I'm not mistaken, it was a gimmick thing introduced with Ken Shamrock's debut as you tap out in UFC.
:y: