Mixed Martial
Arts
Mixed Martial Arts is
an evolving sport that permits techniques from all different martial
arts from all over the world. These techniques are sub-categorized
into two groups. The first group is stand-up fighting, such as punching,
kicking, and throws. The second group is the ground fighting or
grappling. This involves ground striking, chokes, arm-bars, and
other submissions. These are just a few of the many techniques that
can be used, however there are many rules as well to ensure the
quality and safety of the fights.
According to the Ultimate
Fighting Championship, which is the most prominent American promotion,
and the Nevada State Boxing Commission the current MMA rules are
as follows. Rules may differ form promotion to promotion, but these
are the most current and accepted rules.
Weight classes:
Lightweight - over 145 lbs. to 155 lbs.
Welterweight - over 155 lbs. to 170 lbs.
Middleweight - over 170 lbs. to 185 lbs.
Light Heavyweight - over 185 lbs. to 205 lbs.
Heavyweight - over 205 lbs. to 265 lbs.
Bout duration:
All non-championship bouts shall be three rounds.
All championship bouts shall be five rounds.
Rounds will be five minutes in duration, with a one minute.
A one-minute rest period will occur between each round.
Fouls:
Butting with the head.
Eye gouging of any kind.
Biting.
Hair pulling.
Fish hooking.
Groin attacks of any kind.
Putting a finger into any orifice or into any cut or laceration
on an opponent.
Small joint manipulation.
Striking to the spine or the back of the head.
Striking downward using the point of the elbow.
Throat strikes of any kind, including, without limitation, grabbing
the trachea.
Clawing, pinching or twisting the flesh.
Grabbing the clavicle.
Kicking the head of a grounded opponent.
Kneeing the head of a grounded opponent.
Stomping a grounded opponent.
Kicking to the kidney with the heel.
Spiking an opponent to the canvas on his head or neck.
Throwing an opponent out of the ring or fenced area.
Holding the shorts or gloves of an opponent.
Spitting at an opponent.
Engaging in an unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to
an opponent.
Holding the ropes or the fence.
Using abusive language in the ring or fenced area.
Attacking an opponent on or during the break.
Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee.
Attacking an opponent after the bell has sounded the end of the
period of unarmed combat.
Flagrantly disregarding the instructions of the referee.
Timidity, including, without limitation, avoiding contact with an
opponent, intentionally or consistently dropping the mouthpiece
or faking an injury.
Interference by the corner.
Throwing in the towel during competition.
Ways To Win:
Submission by:
Physical tap out.
Verbal tap out.
Technical knockout by the referee stopping the contest.
Decision via the scorecards, including:
Unanimous decision.
Split decision.
Majority decision.
Draw, including:
Unanimous draw.
Majority draw.
Split draw.
Technical decision.
Technical draw.
Disqualification.
Forfeit.
No contest.
Referee may Restart the
round:
If the fighters reach a stalemate and do not work to improve position
or finish.
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