An Introduction to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

With the growing popularity of reality shows like UFC's The Ultimate Fighter and Tapout!, and a declining interest in conventional contact sports such as boxing, it's clear that Mixed Martial Arts has captured the American public's attention. Mixed Martial Arts leagues such as America's UFC and Japan's Pride FC feature some of the most exciting fighters in the world, and new leagues and fighting tournaments are springing up all the time. But what makes this unique style of fighting so entertaining to watch?

MMA - The Basics

The brand of mixed martial arts that has become popular in America usually has two opponents fighting in a cage, while the Japanese style has fighters squared off in a traditional boxing ring. MMA fighters wear very thin gloves, and some fighters wear a type of wrestling shoe, but most fighters don't wear any kind of footwear. How many rounds and the time of each round vary from league to league, but most MMA fights usually don't go for any more then 3 or 4 rounds. Because there are so many different styles of fighters in the MMA world, every match is different and fights are really dynamic, which is one of the main reasons it has become so popular.

The Rules

At first, MMA bouts seem like ruthless free-for-alls, but there are some rules fighters must follow. Kidney punching, eye gouging, groin strikes, head butting, and strikes to the back of the head are among the moves that are against the rules. Referees will end a match if a fighter taps out, is deemed unable to continue (unconscious or unable to defend himself) or if the fighter has a severe injury during the match (like a broken collarbone).

MMA Fighting Skills

Unlike boxer and kickboxers, mixed martial arts fighters are usually skilled in multiple styles of fighting. Any kind of fighter with any training can enter an MMA fight, but to have a good career in Mixed Martial Arts, fighters should at least have these three areas covered in their training.

1) Stand-Up Game

All MMA fights start out looking like a traditional kickboxing fight. Fighters have to know how to throw punches, knees, or kicks to survive the stand-up portion of the match. The best stand-up fighters are usually kickboxers, boxers, and muay thai trained fighters. If one fighter is better at fighting stand-up as opposed to ground fighting, they will usually avoid going on the ground at all costs and will try to end the fight as quick as possible through knockout. If neither fighter is knocked out during stand-up fighting, one fighter will usually try to take the other down, starting the ground fight.

2) The Ground Game

It's very important for MMA fighters to be trained in ground fighting, or else an equal stand-up fight could turn ugly fast. The ground game gives many fighters the most trouble because it's not something all fighters are used to doing. Fighters with a boxing background especially have problems in this area of the match. Jujitsu trained fighters are usually the best at the technical ground game. On the ground, there are two ways to defeat your opponent; you can either find an opening in their defense and punch them until the referee is forced to stop the match, or you can try a submission such an armbar or chokehold and force the opponent to tapout.

Mixed Martial Arts is a lot of fun to watch, and no matter what style you like, (technical submissions or fierce knockouts), in any given match you should be able to find a little bit of both.