MMA Rules That Protect Fighters
Mixed Martial Arts fighting events may look like a no holds bar fight to some, but there are actually a number of rules that are in place to protect and ensure the safety of all fighters.
The fight game has come a long way since the days of Vale Tudo, which is an anything goes type of combat competition that was popular in Brazil during the 20th century. With more advanced fighting techniques being used and the public’s growing interest in MMA, rules and regulations needed to be revised.
The Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, which is used by organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, is utilized by all state athletic commissions in the United States that regulate mixed martial arts.
MMA rules that protect fighters that are not permitted in competition include, use of downward pointing elbow strikes, attacks to the groin in any way, kicking the head of a grounded opponent, stomping on a grounded fighter or Kneeing the head of a grounded opponent.
Whenever an illegal strike happens in the cage, it’s hard to tell if it was done on purpose or if it was just an accident in the heat of battle. Whatever the circumstance, we can only hope that whoever’s on the receiving end wasn’t seriously injured.
MMA fighters put it all on the line when they step in the cage and the risks of bodily injury is a part of combat sports.
In any contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts fighting when a foul is committed, the referee may issue a penalty.
Downward pointing of elbow strikes
Groin attacks of any kind
Kicking the head of a grounded opponent
Stomping on a grounded fighter
Kneeing the head of a grounded opponent
