The Trend of Mixed Martial Arts

Mixed Martial Arts

You’ve probably heard of Ultimate Fighting, or something like it. This refers to mixed martial arts, which some may call no holds barred fighting. The reason is because almost anything goes during a match. This sport combines martial arts, wrestling and boxing. In 1992, the Ultimate Fighting Championship or UFC was founded to make mixed martial arts, abbreviated MMA, a sport. Interestingly, a sport similar to MMA called Pankration practiced in 648 B.C. in Greece, may eventually become part of the Olympics. When it comes to rules for this sport, there are few. The good news is that the few rules that do exist are there to protect the fighters.

Prior to the establishment of rules, MMA was extremely brutal and everything was allowed including headbutting, eye poking, even biting. Fighters could get seriously injured, even killed. Today, these types of attacks are not allowed, nor are strikes to the groin, trachea or kidneys. This is how things are in the U.S., rules may vary in other countries. In order for the rules to be the same worldwide, there would need to be an international association for the sport.

Bouts are normally held in three stages. The first is stand-up fighting, which involves punching, elbowing and kicking. Clinch fighting comes next, and involves the use of grappling holds as seen in wrestling. Finally there is ground fighting, which means the goal is to take the opponent to the mat with various wrestling holds. The fight is over when a fighter taps out, is knocked out, TKO’d, or the winner is declared by judges. As in boxing, fighters, referees and doctors can stop the fight. If a fighter is found to be breaking rules too many times, he may be disqualified and lose on that basis.

For aspiring mixed martial arts fighters, there must be a strong foundation of boxing, wrestling and martial arts in place. So there are three areas rather than one a fighter must be trained in. Popular martial arts that fighters use in MMA include Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai. In addition to learning the skills of boxing, wrestling and the chosen martial art, a fighter must be in top physical shape. After the disciplines are learned aspiring combatants can join clubs and begin to participate in amateur bouts. This is the first step towards acquiring a sponsor and going pro.