Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full contact sport in which a variety of fighting techniques, including grappling and striking are used.
Modern MMA tournaments found their way to popularity in 1993 with the UFC. The initial concept was to match different fighting styles against each other in competition, with very few rules in place, in an effort to determine which system of self defense was the most effective in an actual combative situation. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, MMA events started to add additional rules for the safety of the athletes, in efforts of getting the sport sanctioned. Since implementing these changes, most major sports commissions have approved some form of the sport. With government approval the sport has grown nearly 400% and has started setting PPV records.
The history of modern MMA can be directly linked to the Gracie Family and their historic No-Holds-Barred (NHB) fights in the early1920’s held in Brazil. By the 1970’s Antonio Inoki brought NHB fights to Japan. During the late 1960’s and early 1970’s martial artist started understanding the idea of cross-training disciplines, largely due to the emergence of Martial Arts icon Bruce Lee’s increased teachings of the importance of combining various combat disciplines to form a “high breed” style. The sport of MMA gained international exposure and widespread publicity in the United States when Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighter Royce Gracie dominated the first ever Ultimate Fighting Championship held in Denver Colorado 1993. Royce’s dominance sparked a revolution in the martial arts. International exposure for MMA grew when Japan started the Pride Fighting Championship in early 1997.
Common Rules exist for MMA events, however, there is no general sanctioning body for the sport, and the sets of rules vary according to the laws of individual organizations and localities. Major Athletic commissions such as Las Vegas and New Jersey Boxing Commissions have started regulating MMA events.
The techniques utilized in mixed martial arts competition generally fall into two categories: striking techniques, and grappling techniques. Over the last ten years, strikes to the groin have become illegal in all sanctioned organizations. The legality of other techniques such as headbutts, elbows and weight classes vary according to competition and governing body.
An MMA bout can be won via four methods;
While competition in the sport has been occasionally portrayed as brutal by the media, Recent studies have shown MMA has less lasting affects on an Athlete than its comparable sports rivals; Boxing and Muay Thai.
Pankration is one of the world’s oldest sports. It is an ancient form of unarmed hand to hand combat resembling modern MMA that was introduced by the Greeks to the Olympic Games in 648 BC. Pankration grew in popularity as an extreme combat sport, eventually spreading throughout the Roman Empire. Researchers have found statues dating back to the Early Middle Ages depicting unarmed combatants participating in Pankration.
During the late 1800s Europe Witnessed an increase in NHB popularity as famous catch wrestlers began matching their skills against Greco-Roman wrestlers. The matches filled attendance in large music-hall style venues creating an audience seeking professionals who could skillfully battle each other. One of the publicized matches between a boxer and a wrestler took place in 1887 when John L. Sullivan, who was the current world boxing champion faced Greco-Roman wrestling icon William Muldoon. Muldoon quickly slammed the champion boxer to the canvas eventually securing the victory in under two minutes. Again in the late 1890’s Europe witnessed a boxing champion face a wrestler, this time future heavyweight boxing champion Bob Fitzsimmons took on Greco-Roman wrestling sensation Ernest Roeber. Media reports stated that Roeber endured a fractured cheekbone in his attempts to take down boxing legend Fitzsimmons. The bout was eventually won when Roeber was able to submit the boxer via an armlock.
Other early example of MMA bouts were produced from the martial arts form called Bartitsu. Bartisu was founded in London in 1899, and was the first martial art known to have combined Asian and European fighting styles, creating an MMA-style contest. Bartisu practitioners held events throughout England, pitting European and Japanese champions against representatives of various Shoot and Catch wrestling styles.
During the early 1900’s Europe and Japan began to popularize Boxing Vs. Jujutsu matches. In Japan these contests began to be known as Merikan or “American Fighting” events. These events were held under various rules which included three knockdown rules, Submissions, Judges Decisions and KO victories.
Professional wrestling died out after World War I, it wasn’t until the increased popularity of the Television that wrestling witnessed resurgence. After WWI wrestling returned in two forms, "shoot", in which the fighters actually competed, and "show" which evolved into the modern sports entertainment of professional wrestling.[
MMA as we see it today can be directly linked to-two promotions. In the 1920’s Vale Tudo events were being held in Brazil. The “Gracie Challenge” was issued by Carlos and Helio Gracie, which basically offered a cash prize for any martial arts practitioner who could defeat the Gracie Jiu Jitsu fighting style. During the 1970’s Japan witnessed promoter Antonio Inoki produce a series of MMA style matches, later inspiring a Shootfighting movement in professional Japanese wrestling, this movement eventually led to the formation of the very first MMA organizations. Shooto was formed in 1985 which helped mixed martial arts gain significant international exposure and widespread publicity, while helping bring MMA to a growing audience.
1993 marked the birth of the UFC; the event was met with speculation and was highly criticized for being marketed as “human cock fighting”. Eventually the UFC adapted more rules and regulations garnering acceptance from both political representatives and financial companies looking for advertisement opportunities.
1997 Japan showcased the Pride Fighting Championship. Pride originally promoted as a rival to the UFC focused on International Talent, holding events in the prestigious Tokyo Dome. Producing shows in Japan, Pride FC witnessed live attendance records of more than 60,000 spectators!
MMA has continued to grow reaching a new peak of popularity late in 2006. Light-heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell and former champion Tito Ortiz faced each other in December on a Pay Per View broadcasted event. Sales from that event rivaled some of the biggest boxing events of all time. The 2006 PPV gross of UFC events surpassed PPV sales of any other boxing or entertainment wrestling promotion in PPV history
In 2007, Zuffa LLC, the owners of UFC, bought PRIDE, creating strong ties between the sport's two largest promoters, and drawing comparisons to the consolidation that occurred in other sports, such as the AFL-NFL Merger in American football.
The UFC, and other MMA events have given us a clear understanding of what exactly works in a hand to hand combative situation. No longer are fighters training misconceptions of techniques that will not work against a partner who is not cooperating. The sport has evolved taking into consideration Kinesiology, Fighter Nutrition, Weight Training, and other Sport Sciences. UFC commentator Joe Rogan has been quoted to saying “Martial Arts have evolved more in the ten years following 1993 than in the preceding 700 years”, one would have to agree watching the skill level increase during the last 10 years of UFC competition
The early years of the MMA witnessed a wide variety of traditional styles competing against each other-everything from sumo to kickboxing. Eventually MMA forced practitioners to eliminate techniques that don’t work, while improving upon those that do. This evolution has created a “high bred” form of Martial Arts.
In the early 1990s, four distinct styles stood out for their effectiveness in competition: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Amateur wrestling, and shoot wrestling. Fighters who combined amateur wrestling with striking techniques dominated the standing portion of a fight, while Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stylists had a distinct advantage on the ground: those unfamiliar with submission grappling proved to be unprepared to deal with its submission techniques. Shoot wrestling practitioners offered a balance of amateur wrestling ability and knowledge of submissions, resulting in a generally well-rounded set of skills. The shoot wrestlers were especially successful in Japan, where this style was one of the first that dominated others.
While Grappling seemed to dominate the Early UFC/Pride events, a recent resurgence of striking has witnessed Muay Thai and Boxing techniques become increasingly affective when paired with sufficient grappling awareness.
As competitions became more and more common, those with a base in striking became more competitive as they familiarized their training with takedowns and submission grappling. Several notable upsets against the dominant grapplers, forced even the best wrestlers and submission fighters to seek out cross-training, demanding they add striking techniques to their arsenal.
Cross-Training has become mandatory for practitioners to be affective in Mixed Martial Arts Competition, No longer can an athlete focus entirely on their grappling or striking abilities.
To compete in Mixed Martial Arts Competition it is mandatory athletes train in wresting, submission knowledge and striking. Many Athletes still have their specific “Strong Points” to competition, but it is inevitable they will have to encounter several different situations in a fight. A striker may be taken down during some point of their fight, while a submission fighter may be forced into striking while waiting for an opportunity to advance the bout to their area of specialty. Several styles have become known for their effectiveness in MMA competition. Here are a few of the more popular training styles and their area of specialty.
Many styles have to be adapted slightly for use in the sport. For example, several boxing stances are ineffective because they leave fighters vulnerable to leg kicks or takedowns. Similarly, Judo techniques have to be modified for an opponent not wearing a Judo gi. It is becoming less and less common to see a fighter train in an “individual style”. Most fighters now train with several instructors, or visit several gyms so they can incorporate the specific details each martial arts instructor can provide to their area of expertise. The Physical demands of competing in MMA require fighters to also seek strength and conditioning coaches. Many fighters have also begun to see the importance of having dietary nutritionists, physical therapists, and even Yoga instructors as part of their preparation for upcoming fights.
With the increased popularity of MMA, the sport has also witnessed an influx of fans wanting to get into shape with a strenuous MMA geared workout. MMA focused schools have become more accessible to a wider range of practitioners. MMA classes have started filling up with Men, Women, and Children of all ages, ethnicity and diversity. The benefits of daily workouts, eating nutritiously and daily stretching have proven that training is safe for anyone of any age, with a variety of skill levels.
Strategies
MMA has given way to new descriptions of fighting styles. Despite the fact that someone is more- well trained in a particular fighting style such as; Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, Sambo, or another martial arts, the following terms are used to describe a fighters particular strategy, or an emphasis in a fighter’s game plan.
Sprawl-and-brawl is a stand-up fighting tactic that consists of effective striking, while avoiding the opponent’s takedown attempts, by properly using sprawls and under-hooks to keep the bout standing. A sprawl-and-brawler usually has a background in Muay Thai, Boxing, or kickboxing. They cross train wrestling in an effort to avoid the takedown, or to escape the floor back to a standing position. Usually these fighters will study enough submission wrestling to intelligently recognize a submission attempt and defend it properly. This style is deceptively different from regular kickboxing styles, since sprawl-and-brawlers must adapt their techniques to incorporate takedown and ground fighting defense.
Clench fighting
Clench fighting is a tactic that consists of a clinch hold in an effort to keep the distance of the fight within a close proximity of the two combatants. Several different styles of a clench exist, ranging from a; Muay Thai Clench, Greco Clench, and a “Dirty Boxing” clench. Fighters who participate in Clench fighting use a variety of offensive moves including; takedowns, knees, elbows, punches, and foot stomps. Clench fighting can be used as a transition to get the fight to the ground, or can set up effective strikes in an effort of ending the fight.
Ground-and Pound is a ground fighting tactic where a fighter will successfully attempt a takedown and maintain dominate top position. While controlling the pace of the fight, the fighter on top will avoid submissions and keep the fight from being stood up, by actively striking. Often times GnP is used in transition to a fight ending submission.
Most fighters who are successful with GnP are well educated in submission defense and takedowns. Keeping an opponent on the bottom of the fight allows a fighter the ability to strike until their opponent submits (Taps out), is KO’d, or the ref stops the fight. Ground Strikes are essential to a fighter’s success.
Submission Grappling is the tactic of attempting to end the fight before regulation expires by submitting your opponent. Fighters can attempt submissions from a variety of angles/positions once the fight has reached the floor. Some Grapplers are content to work from their Guard while others actively search for transitions into more dominate positions.
Submission Grappling is essential part of BJJ, Judo, Catch Wrestling, and Sambo. Many Tournaments exist specifically for those interested in grappling without strikes. These Tournaments include; ADCC, Grappler’s Quest, NAGA, and the S.E.A. Grappling Games.
“Lay-and Pray” describes a fighter who deliberately stalls in an effort to win a bout. The fighter is either unable to advance the position, or is unwilling to attempt strikes. Seeking to maintain control of positioning the fighter will “stall” by smothering any offensive attempts by his opponent. Several MMA promotions will offer penalties for inactive fighters, including starting the bout from the standing position again, or fining the fighter a percentage of his purse. The fighter is looking to win a Decision simply by displaying great ring control, and dictating the pace of the fight. Another example of “Lay-and Pray” is when a striker who has been taken down will attempt to stalemate the action by tying up their opponent, waiting for the round to end or a standing restart in action.
Gloves were first mandatory in Japan's Shooto promotion and were later adopted by the UFC as their regulations were implemented in an effort to get the sport sanctioned.
The rules of MMA have continued to grow in an effort to increase regulation and maintain fighter safety. A benefit from the added rules is the mainstream acceptance of Mixed Martial Arts as a legit sport. With increased protection for the fighter, the sport has witnessed its athlete’s ability to train without injury, ultimately increasing the overall skill level of the combatants. Increasing the skill level of the combatants has allowed the sport to promote the technical abilities of its athletes rather than the spectacle of the sport.
Weight classes emerged when knowledge about submissions spread. When more fighters became well-versed in submission techniques and avoiding submissions, differences in weight became a substantial factor. Some Open weight tournaments still exist, but for the majority of MMA promotions fighters compete in designated weight classes.
Headbutts are generally illegal in most MMA organizations, although originally they were allowed in most promotions. Over time event regulators began to see a direct connection with headbuttas and fights ending prematurely due to cuts and blood. If at anytime blood affects a fighter’s ability of sight, a bout is stopped by the Ref. Eventually Headbutts were removed in an effort to increase activity and excitement for the fans. Early in MMA fighters would get the fight to the ground and attack with headbutts without attempting to improve positions, in an effort to get the fight stopped early.
Small 4oz gloves were introduced to protect a fighters hand from injury. (interesting side note; Knockouts actually rose 40% the year the UFC made them mandatory for combatants). Gloves reduce the occurrence of cuts, and encourage fighters to use their hands for striking, which ultimately has produced more entertaining fights.
Time limits were established to avoid long fights on the ground with little perceivable action. Matches without time limits also complicated the airing of live events. Similar motivations produced the "stand up" rule, where the referee can stand fighters up if it is perceived both are resting on the ground or are not advancing toward a dominant position.
In the U.S., state athletic and boxing commissions have played a crucial role in the introduction of additional rules because they oversee MMA in similar ways as they do for boxing. Small shows usually use more restrictive rules because they have less experienced fighters who are looking to acquire experience and exposure that could ultimately lead them to getting recruited into one of the larger, better paying promotions.
In Japan and Europe, there is no regulating authority over competitions, so these organizations have greater freedom in rule development and event structure.
In general, a balanced set of rules with organization-specific variances has been established and is widely used, and major rule changes are unlikely, allowing for fighters in one organization to transition to others easily.
Although rules differ among promotions, these are the basic regulations which most events follow.
The Future of MMA
Modern MMA is a relatively new sport. It has been in existence for less than 15 years, producing a world wide audience faster than Major League Baseball, Football, or Basketball. Athletes are getting an opportunity to represent their countries, schools, and specific fighting styles in venues with audiences ranging in demographics and age that encompass the full spectrum of possibilities. Companies are quickly seeing the advertisement benefits of fighter and event sponsorships. Fighters are no longer fighting as a hobby, and are maintaining lifestyles comparable to other professional athletes.
Art Of War China is broadcasting to over 1 million homes, The UFC is setting PPV records, and attendance is climbing at events world wide. Tiger Muay Thai is an integral part of the MMA expansion that is occurring in Thailand. Promoting MMA events in Thailand, winning grappling tournaments abroad, and sending fighters to MMA promotions worldwide has led to the increased recognition of Tiger Muay Thai as the face of MMA in South East Asia. MMA is going to continue to grow and could eventually be represented in the Olympics just like the other combative sports of Judo, Boxing, Tae Kwon Do, and Wrestling. The sport has already witnessed several former Olympians transition into fighting careers after winning Medals in their respected sports, and representing their countries.
Written by Magical Ray Elbe. Besides being an accomplished MMA fighter, trainer and promoter, Ray also has a B.A. in Education and a thorough knowledge of nutrition and physilology as it relates to MMA fighting and training.
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