You might have heard or even be familiar with martial arts like judo or karate. But, are you aware that there is a sport called mixed martial arts?
Mixed martial arts differ from other martial art disciplines in that it uses various martial art techniques. It is a full contact combat type sport in which competitors try to take control of their opponents using the same or different techniques like punching and grappling while standing and when they are on the ground
Mixed martial arts or MMA was originally called Pankration when it was first introduced in the Olympic Games by the Greeks in 648 B.C. There are records that prove that a similar version of this sport was continued to be played through the 1800's and 1900's until it was introduced as the mixed martial arts in 1993 when the Ultimate Fighting Championship or UFC was established.
Mixed martial art was founded when martial art fighters of different disciplines were gathered to determine which technique was effective in a combat situation. Initially there were very few rules set out for mixed martial arts, but now many rules have been implemented for the safety of the fighters and to help in the growth of this sport.
Because of these rules many mixed martial arts competitions like the Ultimate Fighting Championship can now be viewed on television. Statistics show that the popularity of MMA is increasing tremendously and has more audiences than wrestling. This is evident in the number of people who prefer to watch the pay per view MMA channels over other two sports.
Today there are five different weight categories in MMA that are approved by UFC and they are the 67 to 70 kg category called lightweight, the 71 to 77 kg called welterweight, the 78 to 84 kg called middleweight, the 85 to 93 kg called light heavyweight and the 94 to 120 kg called heavy weight. There are also four other different weight categories but are not used by UFC currently.
MMA differs from wrestling and boxing in many ways and one of them is the shape of the ring. In boxing and wrestling the competitions are held in rectangular shaped rings, while the ring for mixed martial arts has an octagonal shape. All the eight sides of the ring are made of metal chain link fence that has a black vinyl coating. The ring has entry and exits gates that are situated at the opposite ends. The top of the fence and the edges of the eight sides are well protected with adequate safety padding.
Competitors are required to wear appropriate attire when they enter the ring. The attire consists of approved shorts and gloves but no shoes. The gloves should have at least one inch of protective padding covering the knuckles to avoid any injury while trying to grab and get hold of their opponents.
In a mixed martial arts competition the match ends the instant when one of the competitors taps the ground or is knocked down unconscious. The fighter who is still standing wins the match. In case both the fighter are standing at the end of a match, the presiding judges choose the winner
A foul is declared by the referee if a fighter makes any illegal contacts and points are deducted for the fighter who made the illegal contact. A competitor who makes a foul intentionally can be disqualified or if it was an unintended foul then the referee might declare a no contest. - 31497
Mixed martial arts differ from other martial art disciplines in that it uses various martial art techniques. It is a full contact combat type sport in which competitors try to take control of their opponents using the same or different techniques like punching and grappling while standing and when they are on the ground
Mixed martial arts or MMA was originally called Pankration when it was first introduced in the Olympic Games by the Greeks in 648 B.C. There are records that prove that a similar version of this sport was continued to be played through the 1800's and 1900's until it was introduced as the mixed martial arts in 1993 when the Ultimate Fighting Championship or UFC was established.
Mixed martial art was founded when martial art fighters of different disciplines were gathered to determine which technique was effective in a combat situation. Initially there were very few rules set out for mixed martial arts, but now many rules have been implemented for the safety of the fighters and to help in the growth of this sport.
Because of these rules many mixed martial arts competitions like the Ultimate Fighting Championship can now be viewed on television. Statistics show that the popularity of MMA is increasing tremendously and has more audiences than wrestling. This is evident in the number of people who prefer to watch the pay per view MMA channels over other two sports.
Today there are five different weight categories in MMA that are approved by UFC and they are the 67 to 70 kg category called lightweight, the 71 to 77 kg called welterweight, the 78 to 84 kg called middleweight, the 85 to 93 kg called light heavyweight and the 94 to 120 kg called heavy weight. There are also four other different weight categories but are not used by UFC currently.
MMA differs from wrestling and boxing in many ways and one of them is the shape of the ring. In boxing and wrestling the competitions are held in rectangular shaped rings, while the ring for mixed martial arts has an octagonal shape. All the eight sides of the ring are made of metal chain link fence that has a black vinyl coating. The ring has entry and exits gates that are situated at the opposite ends. The top of the fence and the edges of the eight sides are well protected with adequate safety padding.
Competitors are required to wear appropriate attire when they enter the ring. The attire consists of approved shorts and gloves but no shoes. The gloves should have at least one inch of protective padding covering the knuckles to avoid any injury while trying to grab and get hold of their opponents.
In a mixed martial arts competition the match ends the instant when one of the competitors taps the ground or is knocked down unconscious. The fighter who is still standing wins the match. In case both the fighter are standing at the end of a match, the presiding judges choose the winner
A foul is declared by the referee if a fighter makes any illegal contacts and points are deducted for the fighter who made the illegal contact. A competitor who makes a foul intentionally can be disqualified or if it was an unintended foul then the referee might declare a no contest. - 31497
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