MMA

MMA, or mixed martial arts, is a full-contact combat sport that allows a wide range of fighting techniques from various martial arts and combat sports. Competitions are held in controlled environments, typically a cage or ring, with standardized rules to ensure safety. Fighters use both striking and grappling, standing and on the ground, and may win by knockout, technical knockout, submission, judges’ decision, or other methods defined by the rules.

The sport is governed by athletic commissions in many countries and organized under rule sets that oversee safety, medical requirements, and judging. Most jurisdictions follow the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts. Legal techniques include punches, kicks, elbows, knees, takedowns, clinch work, and submissions; fouls include strikes to the back of the head, eye gouging, groin hits, small joint manipulation, and other prohibited actions. Rounds are typically three five-minute rounds for most bouts, with title fights and main events scheduled for five rounds. Judging uses the 10-point must system, with three judges scoring each round on criteria such as effective striking and grappling, control, aggression, and defense.

Fighters train across disciplines such as boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling and judo. Conditioning and strategic planning are emphasized, as are weight classes to match opponents. Safety measures include pre-fight medical exams, neutral referees, and stoppages when necessary. Protective equipment includes gloves, with specifications varying by sanctioning body.

Modern MMA traces its roots to early interstyle contests and the Gracie family challenges, gaining mainstream popularity after the 1993 event that helped spur rule development and regulation. Major promotions include the UFC, Bellator MMA, ONE Championship and PFL, with the UFC as the largest global organization.