For thousands of years, the martial arts were shrouded in mystery. Each style or system asserted that is was the best; its masters unbeatable. Only a few individuals, most notably the late Bruce Lee, dared to question the way traditional arts were taught.

While the roots of mixed martial arts go back as far as the Olympic Games in 648 B.C., the development of modern-day MMA has its foundation in Brazil. In the 1920's, the Gracies, a large extended family from Brazil, developed a hybrid of Japanese jiu-jitsu and named their system "Gracie Jiu-Jitsu." Set out to prove that their art was the strongest, they offered to fight anyone, of any style, anytime. This offer was dubbed the "Gracie Challenge", and the Gracies won repeatedly by taking their opponents to the ground & locking them in painful submission holds.

In 1993 the Gracies & SEG Entertainment brought a tournament-style version of "Gracie Challenge" to US pay-per-view under the brand name the "Ultimate Fighting Championship", and a new sport was born. By matching experts from different arts against each other in a realistic setting, it exploded many of the myths about unarmed combat.

Initially, the sport had very few rules; however, over the years there have been numerous rule adjustments & additions to enhance the fighters' safety.

Today, the top combatants are serious professional athletes— highly cross-trained in a variety of the arts that form the foundation of MMA. The sport has taken the globe by storm and remains one of the fastest-growing, fanatically popular forms of athletic competition in the world.

History continues to be written with the historic partnership of CBS & EliteXC for "Saturday Night Fights" — the first live MMA broadcast on a major television network!

Rules

It should be noted that there are a handful of variations of rules for MMA that exist, however the most common and widely followed are the Unified Rules. The EliteXC bouts will follow the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts.

Bout Length

Title Fights – Five rounds of 5 minutes each with a 1 minute rest period in-between rounds. For women's bouts, the rounds are 3 minutes each.

Non-Title Fights – Three rounds of 5 minutes each with a 1 minute rest period in-between rounds. For womens bouts, the rounds are 3 minutes each.

Ways to Win

1. Knockout (KO)
2. Submission ("opponent taps out")
3. Referee Stoppage/Technical Knockout (TKO)
4. Doctors Stoppage
5. Corner Stoppage
6. Judges' Decision
7. Disqualification

Judging

1. Two fighters who draw are given a score of 10-10
2. The fighter who wins a round is given a score of 10-9
3. The fighter who dominates a round is given a score of 10-8 (a score of 10-7 is possible for a dominant round)
4. For each foul a fighter commits, a point can be subtracted. This deduction can change a winning round to a draw. 9-9

Judging Criteria

• Clean Strikes
• Effective Grappling
• Effective Aggressiveness
• Cage Control

Fighting Weights

• Heavyweight: 206 lbs - 265 lbs
• Light Heavyweight: 186 lbs - 205 lbs
• Middleweight: 171 lbs - 185 lbs
• Welterweight: 161 lbs - 170 lbs
• Lightweight: 151 lbs - 160 lbs
• Featherweight: 141 lbs - 150 lbs
• Bantamweight: 140 lbs and below

 

Sprawl and Brawl

Fighters more comfortable with striking prefer this style of fighting. Unlike standard striking styles the fighter must adapt their techniques to actively defend takedowns and avoid the ground game. Due to this many strikers practice short combinations of three strikes or less, usually power shots, as well as takedown counterstrikes. Some of these, such as a flying knee or rising kick, result in a KO if a single shot connects. Lately many good wrestlers have learned to strike and used this style effectively, due to their heightened takedown defense. Popular sprawl and brawl fighters are KJ Noons, Chuck Liddell, and generally anyone with professional striking experience.

Ground and Pound

This style is favored by many wrestling-based fighters, and the basic strategy is to get the fight to the ground, be on top, and grind away with strikes from a dominant position. Due to a wrestler's natural affinity for takedowns, this style is popular with them. Elbows, short punches, and sometimes knees are all deadly weapons when rained down from the top position. Popular ground and pound fighters include Jake Shields (a hybrid ground and pound / submission fighter), Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, and Fedor Emelianenko.

Lay and Pray

Lay and pray is similar to a ground and pound style, but instead of striking on the floor the fighter utilizes position and smothering techniques to ride out a decision. Many top wrestlers emphasize this style, oftentimes due to their inability to adapt to MMA rules. Many fighters with a double background in wrestling and Jiujitsu employ this style to the fullest, as their dominating ground games are light years ahead of most competitors. "Popular" lay and pray fighters include Ricardo Arona and Sean Sherk.

Submission Fighters

Submission fighters are all about getting the fight to the ground, and they don't care if they have to pull guard to do it. Most slick submission fighters are just as comfortable off their backs as they are in top position, and they are certainly just as dangerous. Grip control, sneaky submission transitions, and fluid sweeps all play major factors in a slick submission fighter's success. One of the fighters in MMA that best demonstrate this style is Shinya Aoki.

Clinch Fighters

Clinch fighters typically utilize the clinch to stifle an opponent's strikes and tire them out. In the process, these fighters will strike with "dirty boxing," knees and elbows, and possibly go for upper body takedowns similar to Greco Roman wrestling. Clinch fighters tend to employ a combination of underhooks and the Thai clinch, which have been tweaked to be more effective in MMA style competition. Several Greco Roman wrestlers have found success with this style, thanks in part to their background in the extremely taxing style of wrestling. Popular clinch fighters are Dan Henderson and Randy Couture.

Wild Brawlers

Wild brawlers employ a bolo-swinging, cage slamming style similar to how you would fight in prison or on the street. Their go-for-broke style is usually due to a lack of training, but many wild brawlers fight this way as a matter of choice rather than a consequence. This overwhelming style works to their advantage most times, as opponents can't find a rhythm to counter. Sometimes, usually in the face of a calm technician, this style falls apart rather easily. Popular wild brawlers include Charles "Krazy Horse" Bennett, Tank Abbot, and Thomas Denny.

 

A

Achilles Lock

A popular submission foot lock/hold that can take many variations, but is ultimately dependent on manipulating and applying pressure on the heel and Achilles tendon.

Armbar

A type of arm lock common in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in which the arm is hyper-extended at the elbow in order to get an opponent to submit or "tapout." Can result in a broken forearm, popped elbow capsule, or various other nasty injuries.

B

Boxing

A traditionally western sport/fighting style, boxing is dependant on using quick footwork, evasive head movement, and accurate punches. Although not considered a formal martial art, boxing's offensive/defensive techniques and real-world effectiveness are an invaluable part of a mixed martial artist's repertoire.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

A predominantly ground oriented martial art, which was originally derived from traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. Introduced by the Gracie family of Brazil, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's popularity has spread due to its success in mixed martial arts contests. The art is heavily based around the development of numerous submission holds (mainly chokes and arm bars), but emphasis is also placed on gaining and maintaining advantageous positions.

C

Catch Wrestling

A form of wrestling that incorporates submission holds and tends to favor "catching" an opponents limb for the submission over gaining dominant position.

Choke

A constricting hold applied to the neck in order to restrict blood flow to the brain and/or inhibits normal breathing. Prolonged application may result in unconsciousness or death.

Clinch

A position in which two fighters are face to face, usually with their arms and upper body locked, performed either for a "breather" or to protect against strikes. Some fighters, such as Wanderlei Silva, have mastered the art of the clinch for offensive purposes, throwing effective short punches and/or knees and elbows from this position.

Clinch Maulers

Clinch maulers typically utilize the clinch to stifle an opponent’s strikes and tire them out. In the process, these Maulers will strike with "dirty boxing," knees and elbows, and possibly go for upper body takedowns similar to Greco Roman wrestling. Clinch maulers tend to employ a combination of underhooks and the Thai clinch, which have been tweaked to be more effective in MMA style competition. Several Greco Roman wrestlers have found success with this style, thanks in part to their background in the extremely taxing style of wrestling. Popular clinch maulers are Anderson Silva and Randy Couture.

Corner

A fighter's "corner" is the section outside of the ring occupied by individual who will assist the fighter during the bout. A fighter's corner usually consists of the fighter’s trainer, training partners, a cutman, and potentially other motivators. The fighter's corner is responsible for giving a fighter advice during the fight, and fixing a fighter up during rounds. If a cut or other injury is sustained during the bout, it is the responsibility of the corner-men to fix it up to the best of their abilities.

D

Decision

When a fight goes the full allotted time, a group of judges render what is called a "decision" in order to declare a winner. The decision awarded is based upon a number of criteria, which differs from organization to organization. Most often the greatest factors are effectiveness, damage, ring generalship, and aggression. Decisions can be split (judges select a different winner), unanimous (all judges select the same winner), or draw (judges select no winner, or an even split).

Double Leg Takedown

A takedown that is accomplished by driving an opponent up and forward by grabbing both of his legs (or ankles), which leads to both contestants going to the ground. An alternate version is the single leg takedown.

F

Fish-hooking

The act of "hooking" a finger into an opponent's mouth or ears and pulling, much like a fish on a hook. This move is illegal in all Mixed Martial Arts contests.

G

Grappling

A general term used to describe wrestling and ground oriented martial arts.

Ground and Pound

This style is favored by many wrestling-based fighters, and the basic strategy is to get the fight to the ground, be on top, and grind away with strikes from a dominant position. Due to a wrestler's natural affinity for takedowns, this style is popular with them. Elbows, short punches, and sometimes knees are all deadly weapons when rained down from the top position. Popular ground and pound fighters include Jake Shields, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, and Fedor Emelianenko.

Guard

A Jujitsu term that refers to a specific ground position. Although there are many variations, the most common version of the guard occurs when the fighter on the bottom wraps their legs around the opponent. This technique is used to simultaneously defend against strikes while setting up a sweep or submission.

H

Headbutt

To strike an opponent using the head. This move is illegal in all Mixed Martial Arts contests, but was legal in "old-school" Vale Tudo (anything goes) events in Brazil.

Heel Hook

A popular and dangerous submission hold, which is applied on the heel and then fully accomplished by twisting the knee at the joint. Can cause numerous injuries, including the ripping of various tendons in the legs.

Hip Throw

A hip throw is a popular Judo and Collegiate Style wrestling maneuver where a practitioner uses leverage and balance to throw their opponent over their hips. This is done by achieving a lower center of gravity than the opponent, and getting inside their base. A hip throw is often referred to as an "uchi-mata" by Judo practitioners.

J

Judo

A Japanese martial art founded in the 19th century. A derivative of jiu-jitsu, both share some of the same history and techniques, though Judo has been refined as more of a sport (striking is not allowed). Judo emphasizes throws and takedowns.

K

Kickboxing

A martial art related to western boxing, but incorporating strikes with the legs. Various styles of kickboxing exist with Muay Thai being among the most popular.

Kneebar

A submission hold that hyper-extends the leg at the knee. Similar to an armbar, but focused on the knee.

KO

An acronym for "knock out," a term typically used in boxing. A KO is the act of a fighter taking a hard strike (usually to the head) and then temporarily losing consciousness.

L

Leglock

A submission hold that focuses on the leg or ankle. Common leg locks are the "kneebar", "heel hook" and "achilles lock".

Lay and Pray

Lay and pray is similar to a ground and pound style, but instead of striking on the floor the fighter utilizes position and smothering techniques to ride out a decision. Many top wrestlers emphasize this style, oftentimes due to their inability to adapt to MMA rules. Many fighters with a double background in wrestling and Jiujitsu employ this style to the fullest, as their dominating ground games are light years ahead of most competitors. "Popular" lay and pray fighters include Ricardo Arona and Sean Sherk.

M

Mixed Martial Arts

A hybrid sport allowing participation by all martial art and hand-to-hand combat styles. As a result, participants must be well rounded in all techniques in order to be successful. Despite an inaccurate perception by the general public, the safety of the fighters is paramount in mixed martial arts events and the sport has proven itself to be much safer for participants than boxing or American football.

Muay Thai

A form of kickboxing originating from Thailand. Unlike traditional kickboxing, Muay Thai allows low kicks, elbows, and knees in addition to punches.

N

No Holds Barred (NHB)

A once popular term used to describe "mixed martial arts" events. Due to the evolution of the sport and implementation of safety rules, the term "no holds barred" is outdated but remains in the jargon among fans.

P

Position

A generic term for various positions that a fight goes through. Includes "standing", "mount," full- and half- "guard," among many others.

R

Rear Naked Choke

A type of choke that is applied behind an opponent upon capturing his back. A rear naked choke is one of the most advantageous types of chokes as far as positioning.

S

Sambo

A Russian martial art that combines elements of wrestling and Japanese Judo. Sambo is especially vaunted for its leg submissions. One of the most famous practitioners of Sambo is Fedor Emelianenko.

Shoot Fighting

A term that refers to "real" fights (as opposed to matches that are "worked" or have a predetermined outcome). "Shoot Fighting" also refers to a hybrid fighting style that incorporates the best elements of other martial arts. One of the most famous fighters to claim "Shoot Fighting" is Ken Shamrock.

Single Leg Takedown

A takedown that is accomplished by driving an opponent up and forward by grabbing one leg (or ankle), leading to both contestants going to the ground. An alternate version is the double leg takedown.

Small Joint Manipulation

Any variation of submission holds which consist of twisting, popping, or hyperextending a small joint, such as the fingers or toes. Such holds are illegal in all Mixed Martial Arts contests.

Streetfighting

A loose "art" consisting of experience gained by fighting "on the streets." Unlike other martial arts, street fighting places opponents into realistic fight situations, but also exposes them to unnecessary danger and injury.

Striking

The act of hitting an opponent with the arm, hand, elbow, head, foot, leg, knee, or any other appendage.

Submission Hold

A choke or joint manipulation that is meant to cause an opponent to submit or "tapout."

Submission Wrestling

A hybrid style of wresting which has many variations. This style combines portions of traditional wrestling with submission holds.

Sweep

A generic Jujitsu technique that is used to describe the person on bottom switching positions with the person on top. This can occur as the result of a failed submission attempt, strike, or scramble, but oftentimes an actual technique referred to as a "sweep" is employed.

Sprawl and Brawl

Fighters more comfortable with striking prefer this style of fighting. Unlike standard striking styles the fighter must adapt their techniques to actively defend takedowns and avoid the ground game. Due to this many strikers practice short combinations of three strikes or less, usually power shots, as well as takedown counterstrikes. Some of these, such as a flying knee or rising kick, result in a KO if a single shot connects. Lately many good wrestlers have learned to strike and used this style effectively, due to their heightened takedown defense. Popular sprawl and brawl fighters are KJ Noons, Chuck Liddell, and generally anyone with professional striking experience.

Slick Submissions

Slick submission fighters are all about getting the fight to the ground, and they don’t care if they have to pull guard to do it. Most slick submission fighters are just as comfortable off their backs as they are in top position, and they are certainly just as dangerous. Grip control, sneaky submission transitions, and fluid sweeps all play major factors in a slick submission fighter's success. Popular slick submission fighters are Nick Diaz, Rodrigo Nogiuera, and Joe Stevenson.

T

Takedown

The act of putting your opponent on the ground via tackle, sweep, Greco-throw, or other technique, typically involving the legs and upper body. This is a staple move of Jiu Jitsu and "ground and pound" fighters, as they must get their opponent on the ground in order to maximize their ground-oriented fighting style. Josh Koscheck has some of the best takedowns in the sport of MMA.

Tap/Tap Out

An act of submission or "giving up" in which an opponent, hopelessly captured in a submission hold or being pummeled by strikes, taps the mat or his opponent in lue of blacking out or risking bodily harm.

U

Underhook

Wrestling terminology that refers to your arm being hooked underneath an opponent's arm. Can be very effective in controlling the opponent, especially if you secure "double underhooks," or an underhook on both arms.

V

Vale Tudo

Portuguese for "anything goes." This term is made in reference to the "no holds barred" fighting events that began in Brazil. Vale Tudo events are now illegal in Brazil, for the most part, and are looked upon as a bygone era of our developing sport.

W

Wrestling

An ancient sport that dates back to the dawn of man. Contestants use leverage and technique to accomplish takedowns and achieve and maintain advantageous positions. There are many variations and styles of wrestling. Although wrestling is not considered a formal martial art, its techniques for positioning and control on the ground are invaluable in the sport of mixed-martial arts.

Wild Brawlers

Wild brawlers employ a bolo-swinging, cage slamming style similar to how you would fight in prison or on the street. Their go-for-broke style is usually due to a lack of training, but many wild brawlers fight this way as a matter of choice rather than a consequence. This overwhelming style works to their advantage most times, as opponents can't find a rhythm to counter. Sometimes, usually in the face of a calm technician, this style falls apart rather easily. Popular wild brawlers include Charles "Krazy Horse" Bennett, Tank Abbot, and Thomas Denny.