Mixed Martial Arts

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport that allows striking and grappling, both standing and on the ground, using techniques from various combat sports and martial arts.

Origin

Ancient Greece

Type

Combat sport

Venue

Octagonal cage, MMA ring

Supreme Authority

International Mixed Martial Arts Federation

Summary

Key Types of Mixed Martial Arts

Competitions

References

Summary

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport that combines techniques from multiple martial arts, including striking and grappling. Governed by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, MMA is held in octagonal cages or rings and includes separate male and female divisions. Its roots trace back to ancient practices, with notable historical influences from Greek pankration and various combat styles in China, Japan, and Brazil.

The modern concept of MMA began taking shape in the 20th century with events like Vale Tudo in Brazil and hybrid martial arts contests in Asia, culminating in the 1993 founding of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the United States. MMA rules have evolved significantly to ensure safety, with the introduction of weight classes, protective gloves, and time limits. The Unified Rules of MMA, which standardise competition, were established in the early 2000s.

MMA fighters train in various disciplines to achieve a balance of striking, grappling, and ground control skills. Commonly practised styles include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for submissions, wrestling for takedowns and control, Muay Thai and kickboxing for striking, and judo for throws. MMA strategies include “Sprawl-and-Brawl” (striking while avoiding takedowns), “Ground-and-Pound” (striking from dominant ground positions), and submission grappling.

The sport gained global popularity through major organisations like the UFC, Bellator, and ONE Championship. Despite high injury rates, particularly involving head trauma, MMA remains popular and has gradually achieved recognition, with organisations like the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) seeking Olympic inclusion. Today, MMA has men’s and women’s divisions, and amateur versions are growing globally, emphasising safety and accessibility in this evolving combat sport.

Key Types of Mixed Martial Arts

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) includes various fighting styles, each bringing specific techniques to the sport. Here are the main types:

Striking: This focuses on standing techniques like punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes. Popular striking styles in MMA are boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, and taekwondo. Strikers use footwork, combinations, and timing to control distance and deliver effective attacks.
Grappling: Grappling styles focus on controlling the opponent through clinching, takedowns, and ground control. Wrestling (freestyle and Greco-Roman), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and judo are popular grappling disciplines in MMA. Grapplers aim to take the fight to the ground to limit their opponent's striking ability and attempt submissions.
Submission Fighting: Submission fighting involves taking an opponent to the ground and using joint locks or chokes to force them to "tap out" or surrender. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, catch wrestling, and sambo are common styles for this approach. Submissions can end a fight quickly if executed effectively.
Hybrid Styles: Hybrid or mixed styles combine striking and grappling techniques, giving fighters versatility. Fighters trained in hybrid styles adapt to different phases of a fight—standing or on the ground. Styles like Jeet Kune Do and catch wrestling integrate elements of both striking and grappling.
Clinching: Clinch fighting involves controlling an opponent at close range to limit their mobility. Fighters use this to set up takedowns or deliver short strikes, typically with knees and elbows. Muay Thai, wrestling, and judo contribute to effective clinch work in MMA.

Competitions

Professional Competitions: Organised by major promotions like UFC, Bellator, and ONE Championship. Fights are held in octagonal cages or rings and follow the Unified Rules of MMA. Competitors are paid and often compete for championship titles.
Amateur Competitions: Governed by bodies like the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and designed for skill development with safer rules and protective gear. Athletes gain experience before turning professional.
Catchweight Competitions: Fighters agree to compete at a weight outside standard weight classes, often arranged when fighters cannot meet weight class limits.
Openweight Competitions: Also known as "absolute" matches, these allow fighters from different weight classes to compete against each other, though they are less common in modern MMA.
Exhibition Matches: Non-official bouts that do not impact professional records, often used for special events or charity purposes.
Tournament-Style Competitions: Fighters compete in multiple matches within a single event or series to determine a champion. This format was common in early MMA and still occurs in certain organisations.
Submission-Only Competitions: Focused exclusively on grappling and submissions, with no striking allowed. These competitions, such as grappling tournaments, allow MMA fighters to specialise in ground-fighting skills.
Super Fights: High-profile matchups between top fighters, often promoted as main events. These fights attract large audiences and are sometimes cross-promotional, featuring champions from different organisations.