Mixed Martial Arts rules. Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, is now the biggest thing in the combat sports scene.
How did this happen? MMA is a relatively new type of combat sport compared to traditional martial arts. Some will even argue that MMA has not even equaled the global popularity of boxing.
One look at the impact and influence of the UFC (the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the world’s largest and most popular MMA organization), and everyone can see that the sport is on the rise. Many of its champions, past and present, have become household names. Connor McGregor, Jon Jones, Jose Aldo, and Max Holloway come to mind, to name a few.
As the name suggests, MMA is a combination of different martial arts or combat sports. Some of the most prominent components of this new art are Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai, Wrestling, Boxing, Judo, and Karate, among other disciplines.
An MMA fighter uses techniques from any combination of these different arts when competing inside a cage or a ring. The same goes for MMA practitioners who don’t compete but practice the sport for fitness or self-discipline. Fights can take place while standing or on the ground. It can also end in a variety of ways, via knockout, decision, or submission.
Let’s now take a closer look at MMA’s main components.
Wrestling, MMA’s best base
Many consider wrestling to be the best base for MMA. Many champions in the sport, particularly in the UFC, have a wrestling background. Wrestling teaches how to take down an opponent and dominate from there. Wrestlers are exceptionally strong and explosive, giving them distinct advantages.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), the premier ground game
BJJ is fast becoming popular, and is the premier ground game used in MMA. While all fights start standing up, most end up on the ground, which makes BJJ essential.
Muay Thai, the ‘art of 8 limbs’
Muay Thai, or Thai Boxing, is considered the best striking base for MMA, as this offers the most weapons among striking styles. The “art of 8 limbs” teaches the use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
Boxing, strike and evade tactics
To many, boxing is still the go-to choice for combat sport. It may be one of the most traditional, but what’s certain is that Boxing will always have a place in MMA. Every battle starts with fighters on their feet, and in that stance boxing provides excellent striking, defense, distance management, and head movements.
There are other disciplines that can be incorporated into fights. But the ones mentioned have proven to be key to the success, or failure, of any serious fighter’s campaign.
So, if you’re interested in starting a career in MMA, or even if you just want to practice it, learn these arts to be effective. They are the main components of MMA for a reason, and knowing them will make you ready for any opponent, in or out of the cage.
