Evolving rules of Mixed Martial Arts

Since the early days of Japanese shoot wrestling, Vale Tudo and UFC 1, the rules for Modern Mixed Martial Arts competition have changed significantly. The original minimum rules needed to be modified when the knowledge about the fighting techniques spread among the spectators and fighters. The desire to remove the image of “barbaric, no rules, fighting-to-the-death” and protecting the health of fighters were the main reasons behind the modification of rules.

As the knowledge about submissions spread, introduction of the weight classes was included in the rules. To protect the fists in punches, encourage the fighters to use their hands for striking and reduce the occurrence of the cuts, small, open-fingered gloves were introduced in this sport. To avoid long term fights, time limits were introduced. Matches without time limits also complicated the airing of live events.

If both the competitors were resting on the ground or were not moving toward a dominant position then the referee could stand the fighters up. This was a motivation in the rules of “stand up” fights.

Athletic and boxing commissions in the U.S have played a big and important role in the introduction of additional rules because they think there is a similarity in boxing and MMA. There are smaller shows that have more restricted rules as their competitors are less experienced.

 

Sunday, December 02, 2007
By Sherdog.com Staff
Regulated mixed martial arts has experienced its first casualty. Sam asquez, who was stopped by Vince Libar