Mixed martial arts
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224940778
2008-07-11T02:47:34Z
Ukexpat
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Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/99.245.137.205|99.245.137.205]] to last version by ClueBot (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]])
{{for|the fighting styles that combine different arts|hybrid martial arts}}
{{Infobox martial art
| image = 800px-MacTakumiKOS.JPG
| imagecaption = Ground fighting during competition. The dominant fighter, [[Mac Danzig]], maintains [[side control]] while delivering strikes.
| imagesize = 300px
| name = Mixed martial arts
| aka = MMA, [[Vale Tudo]]
| country = <!-- leave blank. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Mixed_martial_arts#Martial_art_infobox.2C_again -->
| parenthood = <!-- leave blank. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Mixed_martial_arts#Martial_art_infobox.2C_again -->
| focus = Various
| hardness = [[Full contact]]
<!-- | famous_pract = [[Royce Gracie]], [[Dan Severn]], [[Ken Shamrock]], [[Frank Shamrock]], [[Mark Coleman]], [[Mark Kerr]], [[Kazushi Sakuraba]], [[Randy Couture]], [[Fedor Emelianenko]], [[Rich Franklin]], [[Takanori Gomi]], [[Dan Henderson]], [[Chuck Liddell]], [[Wanderlei Silva]], [[Norifumi Yamamoto]], [[Mauricio Rua]], [[Tito Ortiz]], [[Matt Hughes]], [[Georges St. Pierre]] -->
| olympic = No
}}
'''Mixed martial arts''' (MMA) is a [[Contact sport|full contact]] [[combat sport]] that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques, from a mixture of [[martial arts]] traditions, to be used in competitions. The rules allow the use of [[Strike (attack)|striking]] and [[grappling]] techniques, both while standing and on the ground.
Modern mixed martial arts competition emerged in popular culture in 1993 with the founding of the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]. Initially based on finding the most effective [[martial arts]] for real unarmed combat situations, competitors of various arts were pitted against one another with minimal rules or concern for safety.<ref name="slate">{{cite news
| last = Plotz
| first = David
| title = Fight Clubbed
| publisher = [[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]
| date = [[November 16]], [[1997]]
| url = http://www.slate.com/id/46344/
| accessdate = 2006-12-26
}}</ref> In the following decade, MMA promoters adopted many [[Mixed martial arts rules|additional rules]] aimed at increasing safety for competitors and to promote mainstream acceptance of the sport.<ref>{{cite news
| url =http://wnyt.com/article/stories/S435831.shtml?cat=300
| last = McFarland
| first = Matt
| title = Ultimate Fighting wants to come to NY
| publisher = WNYT.com
| date = [[May 06]], [[2008]]
| accessdate = 2008-05-06
}}</ref> Following these changes, the sport has seen increased popularity with [[pay per view]] reach rivaling [[boxing]] and [[professional wrestling]].<ref name="PPV">{{cite web
| url = http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=3520&zoneid=3
| title = UFC PPV Revenue Tops $200 Million in 2006
| last = Trembow
| first = Ivan
| publisher = MMA Weekly
| date = [[March 1]], [[2007]]
| accessdate = 2007-06-18
}}</ref>
{{TOClimit|limit=3}}
==History==
===Pre-modern===
[[Image:UffiziFlorenceWrestlers.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Pankration]] was an ancient form of unarmed [[hand to hand combat]] resembling modern MMA.]]
One of the earliest forms of widespread unarmed [[combat sport]]s with minimal rules was [[Ancient Greece|Greek]] [[pankration]], which was introduced into the [[Olympic Games]] in 648 B.C.<ref name="walter">{{cite web
| last = Walter
| first = Donald
| title = Mixed Martial arts: Ultimate Sport, or Ultimately Illegal?
| publisher = Grapple Arts
| date = [[December 8]], [[2003]]
| url = http://www.grapplearts.com/Mixed-Martial-Arts-1.htm
| accessdate = 2006-02-25
}}</ref> Even as late as the [[Early Middle Ages]], statues were put up in Rome and other cities to honour remarkable pankratiasts.
No-holds-barred events reportedly took place in the late 1800s when wrestlers representing a huge range of fighting styles including various [[catch wrestling]] styles, [[Greco-Roman wrestling]] and many others met in tournaments and music-hall challenge matches throughout [[Europe]]. The first major encounter between a [[boxing|boxer]] and a wrestler in modern times took place in 1887 when [[John L. Sullivan]], then heavyweight world boxing champion, entered the ring with his trainer, Greco-Roman wrestling champion [[William Muldoon]], and was slammed to the mat in two minutes. The next publicized encounter occurred in the late 1890s when future heavyweight boxing champion [[Bob Fitzsimmons]] took on European Greco-Roman wrestling champion [[Ernest Roeber]]. Reportedly, Roeber suffered a fractured cheekbone in this bout, but was able to get Fitzsimmons down on the mat, where he applied an [[armlock]] and made the boxer [[Submission (combat sport)|submit]]. In 1936, heavyweight boxing contender [[Kingfish Levinsky]] and veteran professional wrestler [[Ray Steele (US wrestler)|Ray Steele]] competed in a mixed match, which Steele won in 35 seconds.<ref name="willoughby">{{cite book
| last = Willoughby
| first = David P.
| title = The Super Athletes
| publisher = A.S. Barnes & Co., Inc
| date = 1970
| isbn = 0-498-06651-7
| pages = 376-380
}}</ref>
Another early example of mixed martial arts combat was the martial art of [[Bartitsu]], founded in London in 1899, which was the first martial art known to have combined Asian and European fighting styles,<ref name="bart">{{cite web
| url = http://ejmas.com/jmanly/articles/2001/jmanlyart_noble_0301.htm
| title = An Introduction to E. W. Barton-Wright (1860-1951) and the Eclectic Art of Bartitsu
| publisher = Journal of Manly Arts
| date = March 2001
| last = Noble
| first = Graham
| accessdate=2007-06-14
}}</ref> and which saw MMA-style contests throughout England, pitting European and Japanese champions against representatives of various European wrestling styles.<ref name="bart" />
Mixed style contests such as [[boxing]] vs. [[jujutsu]] were popular entertainment throughout Europe, Japan and the Pacific Rim during the early 1900s.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://ejmas.com/jcs/jcsart_JapanTimes_1199.htm
|publisher=Journal of Combative Sport
|title=Journal of Combative Sport: Jujitsu versus Boxing
|accessdate=2008-05-07
}}</ref> In Japan these contests were known as ''merikan'', from the Japanese slang for "American [fighting]". ''Merikan'' contests were fought under a variety of rules including points decision, best of three throws or knockdowns, and victory via knockout or submission.{{Fact|date=June 2007}}
Professional wrestling died out after [[World War I]] and was reborn in two streams: "[[shoot (professional wrestling)|shoot]]", in which the fighters actually competed, and "[[work (professional wrestling)|show]]," which evolved into modern [[sports entertainment]] [[professional wrestling]].<ref name="willoughby" />
===Modern===
[[Image:Royce Gracie vs Dan Severn UFC 4.jpg|frame|left|180 lb. [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]] fighter [[Royce Gracie]] (white [[Keikogi|gi]]) submits {{convert|275|lb|abbr=on}}. champion wrestler [[Dan Severn]] (black tights) with a [[triangle choke]] in [[UFC 4]], 1994.<ref>[http://www.slate.com/id/46344 "Fight Clubbed:] Ultimate fighting ought to be a great American sport. Instead, cable companies, Sen. John McCain, and a squeamish public are killing it." ''[[Slate]]'', Nov. 17, 1999.</ref>]]
The history of modern MMA competition can be traced to mixed style contests throughout Europe, Japan and the Pacific Rim during the early 1900s; the [[Gracie family]]'s [[vale tudo]] martial arts tournaments in [[Brazil]] starting in the 1920s; and early mixed martial arts matches hosted by [[Antonio Inoki]] in [[Japan]] in the 1970s. The sport gained international exposure and widespread publicity in the [[United States]] in 1993, when [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]] fighter [[Royce Gracie]] handily won the first [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] tournament, submitting three challengers in just five minutes,<ref>{{cite web
| title = Fight Finder - UFC 1 The Beginning
| publisher = Sherdog.com
| url = http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?search=yes&EventID=7
}}</ref> sparking a revolution in the martial arts.<ref name="peligro">{{cite book
| last = Peligro
| first = Kid
| title = The Gracie Way: An Illustrated History of the World's Greatest Martial Arts Family
| publisher = Invisible Cities Press
| date = 2003
| pages = 79-84
| id = ISBN 1-931229-28-7
}}</ref>
Meanwhile in Japan the continued interest in the sport resulted in the creation of the [[PRIDE Fighting Championships]] in 1997.<ref name="whatispride">{{cite web
| title = What is PRIDE?
| publisher = [[PRIDE]]
| url = http://www.pridefc.com/pride2005/about/whats_about01.htm
| accessdate = 2006-12-23
}}</ref>
The movement that led to the creation of the [[UFC]] and [[PRIDE]] was rooted in two interconnected [[subculture]]s. First were the vale tudo events in [[Brazil]], followed by the [[Japan]]ese [[shoot wrestling]] shows. [[Vale tudo]] began in the 1920s with the "[[Gracie challenge]]" issued by [[Carlos Gracie]] and [[Hélio Gracie]] and upheld later on by descendants of the Gracie family.<ref name="walter" /> In [[Japan]] in the 1970s, a series of mixed martial arts matches were hosted by [[Antonio Inoki]], inspiring the shoot-style movement in [[Professional wrestling in Japan|Japanese professional wrestling]], which eventually led to the formation of the first mixed martial arts organizations, such as [[Shooto]], which was formed in 1985.[[Image:Chuck Liddell vs Tito Ortiz 2 - UFC 66.jpg|right|thumb|250px|[[Chuck Liddell]] (right) and [[Tito Ortiz]] broke [[pay-per-view|PPV]] records with their rematch at [[UFC 66]].]]
The concept of combining the elements of multiple martial arts was pioneered and popularized by [[Bruce Lee]] in the late 1960s to early 1970s. Lee believed that "the best fighter is not a Boxer, Karate or Judo man. The best fighter is someone who can adapt to any style." His innovative concepts were recognized in 2004 by UFC President Dana White when he called Lee the "father of mixed martial arts."<ref>Wickert, Marc. 2004. ''Dana White and the future of UFC''. kucklepit.com. See [http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Dana_White Wikiquotes] for the text.</ref> Recognition of its effectiveness as a test came as the [[United States Army]] began to sanction mixed martial arts with the first annual [[All Army Combatives Championships]] held by the [[US Army Combatives School]] in November 2005.
The sport reached a new peak of popularity in North America in the December 2006 [[UFC 66|rematch]] between then [[UFC]] light heavyweight champion [[Chuck Liddell]] and former champion [[Tito Ortiz]], rivaling the [[pay-per-view|PPV]] sales of some of the biggest boxing events of all time,<ref name="PPV">{{cite web
| url = http://blogs.chron.com/fighting/2006/12/ufc_66_to_make_mma_history.html
| title = UFC 66 to make MMA history
| last = Sievert
| first = Steve
| publisher = [[Houston Chronicle]]
| date = [[December 29]], [[2006]]
| accessdate = 2007-06-18
}}</ref> and helping the UFC's 2006 PPV gross surpass that of any promotion in PPV history. In 2007, Zuffa LLC, the owners of the [[UFC]] MMA promotion, bought Japanese rival MMA brand [[PRIDE]], merging the contracted fighters under one promotion<ref>{{cite web
| title = UFC scores TKO on its business rival
| publisher = [[FOX Sports]], [[MSN]]
| url = http://msn.foxsports.com/boxing/story/6615122
| accessdate = 2007-03-27
| date = [[April 4]], [[2000]]
| last = Doyle
| first = Dave
}}</ref> and drawing comparisons to the consolidation that occurred in other sports, such as the [[AFL-NFL Merger]] in [[American football]].<ref>{{cite web
| title = Source: UFC buys Pride for less than $70M
| publisher = [[Associated Press]], [[ESPN]]
| url = http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/news/story?id=2814235
| date = [[March 27]], [[2007]]
| accessdate = 2007-06-15
}} "<small>This is really going to change the face of MMA. Literally creating a sport that could be as big around the world as soccer. I liken it somewhat to when the NFC and AFC came together to create the NFL</small>"<small> —Lorenzo Fertitta, one of the UFC's majority owners</small></ref>
===Evolution of fighters===
[[Image:Pins down.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ground fighting]] is an intrinsic part of the sport.]]
As a result of an increased number of competitors, organized training camps, information sharing, and modern [[kinesiology]], the understanding of the combat-effectiveness of various strategies has been greatly improved. UFC commentator [[Joe Rogan]] has claimed that martial arts have evolved more in the ten years following 1993 than in the preceding 700 years.<ref>{{cite video
| title = [[UFC 40|UFC 40: Vendetta]]
| format = [[Pay per view|PPV]]
| media = Television production
| publisher = [[Zuffa]] ([[November 22]], [[2002]])
| time = 1:00 into [[Chuck Liddell]] vs. [[Renato Sobral]]
}} "<small>The evolution of martial arts since 1993, since the UFC came around, martial arts have evolved more than they have in the last 700 years. We know exactly now what works in a real live situation with two warriors fighting. For a long time that was just speculation.</small>"<small> —[[Joe Rogan]]</small></ref>
{{pquote|During his reign atop the sport in the late 1990s he was the prototype — he could strike with the best strikers; he could grapple with the best grapplers; his endurance was second to none. | describing UFC champion [[Frank Shamrock]]'s early dominance <ref>{{cite web
| title = "No Win" Situation is Must Win for Shamrock
| publisher = [[Sherdog]], [[ESPN]]
| url = http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles.asp?n_id=8036
| accessdate = 2007-06-22
| date = [[June 22]], [[2007]]
| last = Sloan
| first = Mike
}}</ref>}}
The early years of the sport saw a wide variety of traditional styles - everything from [[sumo]] to [[kickboxing]] - but the continual evolution of the sport saw many styles prove ineffective, while others proved successful on their own.
In the early 1990s, three styles stood out for their effectiveness in competition: [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]], [[amateur wrestling]] and [[shoot wrestling]]. This may be attributable in part to the [[grappling]] emphasis of the aforementioned styles, which were, perhaps due to the scarcity of mixed martial arts competitions prior to the early 90s, unknown to most practitioners of [[strike (attack)|striking]]-based arts. Fighters who combined amateur wrestling with striking techniques found success in the [[stand-up fighting|standing]] portion of a fight, whilst [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]] stylists had a distinct advantage on the ground: those unfamiliar with submission grappling proved to be unprepared to deal with its [[grappling hold#Submission hold|submission techniques]]. Shoot wrestling practitioners offered a balance of amateur wrestling ability and [[catch wrestling]]-based submissions, resulting in a well-rounded skillset. The shoot wrestlers were especially successful in [[Japan]]. As competitions became more and more common, those with a base in [[strike (attack)|striking]] became more competitive as they acquainted themselves with [[takedown (grappling)|takedowns]] and submission holds, leading to notable upsets against the then dominant [[grapplers]]. Subsequently, those from the varying grappling styles added striking techniques to their arsenal. This overall development of increased [[cross-training]] resulted in the fighters becoming increasingly multi-dimensional and well-rounded in their skills. The changes were demonstrated when the original UFC champion [[Royce Gracie]] who had defeated many opponents using Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fought the then [[UFC Welterweight Champion]] [[Matt Hughes]] at [[UFC 60]] and was defeated by a TKO from '[[#Ground-and-pound|ground-and-pound]]'.<ref name=UFC60>[http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?search=yes&EventID=3666 UFC 60 Results on Sherdog]</ref>
===Olympic recognition efforts===
It was thought that [[Olympic sports#Recognized sports|Olympic recognition]] would be forthcoming for the [[2004 Summer Olympics]], held in [[Athens]], under the banner of [[pankration]]. However, the [[International Olympic Committee]] was unconvinced that [[Greece]] could handle the total number of sports proposed. To placate the IOC, the organizers removed all new medal sports and pankration was excluded.<ref>{{cite web
| last = Townsley
| first = John
| title = Athens 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games Launch Pad
| publisher = Invest in Greece
| url = http://www.invgr.com/olympics_launch_pad.htm#Pankration
| accessdate = 2006-12-22
}}</ref>
==Rules==
{{main|Mixed martial arts rules}}
[[Image:Glovescropped.png|thumb|left|250px|A fighter tapes his hands prior to putting gloves on.]]
The rules for modern mixed martial arts competitions have changed significantly since the early days of vale tudo and Japanese shoot wrestling and [[UFC 1]] and even more from the historic style of pankration. As the knowledge about fighting techniques spread among fighters and spectators, it became clear that the original minimalist rule systems needed to be amended.<ref name=Warriors>{{cite book
| last = Krauss
| first = Erich
| title = Warriors of the Ultimate Fighting Championship
| publisher = Citadel Press Inc.,
| date = 1 Dec 2004
| location = U.S.
| isbn = 0806526572}} </ref>
The main motivations for these rule changes were protection of the health of the fighters, the desire to shed the image of "barbaric, no rules, fighting-to-the-death" matches and be recognised as a sport.
Rules included the introduction of [[MMA weight classes|weight classes]], as knowledge about submissions spread, with more fighters became well-versed in submission techniques and avoiding submissions, differences in weight became a substantial factor. [[Mixed martial arts gloves|Small, open-fingered, gloves]] were introduced to protect fists in punches, reduce the occurrence of cuts (and stoppages due to cuts) and encourage fighters to use their hands for striking, to enable more captivating matches and time limits were established to avoid long fights with little action as competitors conserved their strength, matches without time limits also complicated the airing of live events. Similar motivations produced the "stand up" rule, where the referee can stand fighters up if it is perceived both are resting on the ground or are not advancing toward a dominant position.<ref name=Warriors/>
Gloves were first mandatory in Japan's [[Shooto]] promotion and were later adopted by the UFC as it developed into a regulated sport. In the U.S., state athletic and boxing commissions have played a crucial role in the introduction of additional rules because they oversee MMA in similar way to boxing. Smaller shows may use more restrictive rules because they have less experienced fighters who are looking to acquire experience and exposure that could ultimately lead them to getting recruited into one of the larger, better paying promotions. In Japan and Europe, there is no regulating authority over competitions, so these organizations have greater freedom in rule development and event structure.
Victory in a match is normally gained either by the judges' decision after an allotted amount of time has elapsed, a stoppage by the referee (for example if a competitor can not defend himself intelligently) or the fight doctor (due to an injury), a [[submission (combat sport term)|submission]], by a competitor's [[cornerman]] throwing in the towel, or by [[knockout]].
==Strategies==
{{Unreferencedsection|date=March 2007}}
[[Image:08girlfight02.jpeg|thumb|250px|right|Mixed martial arts competition requires training in [[Stand-up fighting|striking]], [[wrestling]], and [[submission wrestling|submission fighting]].]]
The techniques utilized in mixed martial arts competition generally fall into two categories: [[strike (attack)|striking]] techniques (such as [[kick]]s, [[knee (strike)|knees]] and [[punch (strike)|punches]]) and [[grappling]] techniques (such as [[grappling hold#Clinch hold|clinch holds]], [[grappling hold#Pinning hold|pinning holds]], [[grappling hold#Submission hold|submission holds]], [[Sweep (grappling)|sweeps]], [[takedown (grappling)|takedowns]] and [[throw (grappling)|throws]]). As mixed martial arts has no international sanctioning body, rules may vary between promotions. While the legality of some techniques (such as [[elbow (strike)|elbow strikes]], [[headbutt]]s and [[spinal lock]]s) may vary, there is a near universal ban on techniques such as [[biting]], strikes to the [[groin]], [[eye-gouging]], [[fish-hooking]] and [[small joint manipulation]].<ref name="njacb">{{cite web
| url = http://www.state.nj.us/lps/sacb/docs/martial.html
| title = Mixed Martial arts Unified Rules of Conduct
| date = [[September 5]], [[2002]]
| publisher = [[New Jersey]] State Athletic Control Board
| accessdate = 2006-06-18
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NAC/NAC-467.html
| title = Nevada Administrative Code, Chapter 467, Unarmed Combat
| date = [[August 11]], [[2006]]
| publisher = [[Nevada State Athletic Commission]]
| accessdate = 2006-06-18
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.dca.ca.gov/csac/laws/booklet.pdf
| title = Laws & Regulations Governing Boxing & Martial arts in California
| year = 2001
| last = Davis
| first = Gray
| authorlink = Gray Davis
| publisher = [[California]] State Athletic Commission
| accessdate = 2006-06-18
}}</ref>
Today, mixed martial artists must [[cross-training|cross-train]] in a variety of styles to counter their opponent's strengths and remain effective in all the phases of combat. For instance, a [[stand-up fighting|stand-up fighter]] will have little opportunity to use their skills against a [[submission wrestling|submission artist]] who has also trained [[takedown (grappling)|take downs]]. Many traditional disciplines remain popular as a way for a fighter to improve aspects of their game.
===Popular Disciplines===
*'''[[Stand-up fighting|Stand-up]]''': Various forms of [[boxing]], [[kickboxing]], [[Muay Thai]], and forms of [[full contact karate]] are trained to improve [[footwork (martial arts)|footwork]], [[elbow (strike)|elbowing]], [[kick]]ing, [[knee (strike)|kneeing]] and [[punch (strike)|punching]].
*'''[[Clinch fighting|Clinch]]''': [[Freestyle wrestling|Freestyle]] and [[Greco-Roman wrestling]], [[Sambo (martial art)|Sambo]], and [[judo]] are trained to improve [[grappling position#Stand-up grappling position|clinching]], [[takedown (grappling)|takedowns]] and [[throw (grappling)|throws]], while [[Muay Thai]] is trained to improve the [[strike (attack)|striking]] aspect of the clinch.
*'''[[Ground fighting|Ground]]''': [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]], [[shoot wrestling]], [[catch wrestling]], [[judo]], and [[Sambo (martial art)|Sambo]] are trained to improve [[grappling hold#Submission hold|submission holds]], and defense against them. These styles are also trained to improve and maintain ground control.
Some styles have been adapted from their traditional form, such as [[boxing]] stances which lack effective counters to leg kicks and takedowns, or [[judo]] techniques which must be adapted for [[judogi|No Gi]] competition. It is common for a fighter to train with multiple coaches of different styles or an organized fight team to improve various aspects of their game at once. [[Aerobic exercise|Cardiovascular conditioning]], speed drills, [[strength training]] and [[flexibility]] are also important aspects of an MMA fighter's training.
While mixed martial arts was initially practiced almost exclusively by competitive fighters, this is no longer the case. As the sport has become more mainstream and more widely taught, it has become accessible to wider range of practitioners of all ages. Proponents of this sort of training argue that it is safe for anyone, of any age, with varying levels of competitiveness.<ref>{{cite web
| last = Green
| first = Andrew
| title = Kids in MMA
| publisher = Innovative Martial arts
| url = http://innovativema.ca/forum/view.php?pg=kidsinmma
| accessdate = 2006-12-13
| date = [[December 20]], [[2005]]
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| last = Gutierrez
| first = Luis
| title = JKD and Children
| publisher = One Dragon Martial arts
| url = http://onedragon.com/article_04.html
| accessdate = 2006-12-13
}}</ref>
===Hybrid Styles===
<!-- [[Image:Slamcropped.png|thumb|right|250px|The standing fighter is attempting to escape defeat via [[armlock#Armbar|armbar]] by slamming his opponent to the ground so that he will release his grip.]] -->
The following terms describe hybrid styles a fighter may use, over the course of a fight, to achieve victory. While some fighters, such as [[BJ Penn]] or [[Fedor Emelianenko]], can score victories by striking, [[Mixed martial arts#ground-and-pound|ground-and-pound]] or submission, most fighters will rely on a smaller number of techniques while adopting a style that plays to their strengths.
[[Image:MMAstandup.png|thumb|left|250px|[[Stand-up fighting]] is the core of sprawl-and-brawl.]]
====Sprawl-and-brawl====
Sprawl-and-brawl is a [[stand-up fighting]] tactic that consists of effective stand-up striking, while avoiding [[ground fighting]], typically by using [[Sprawl (grappling)|sprawl]]s to defend against [[takedown (grappling)|takedowns]].
A sprawl-and-brawler is usually a [[boxing|boxer]], [[kickbox]]er, [[Muay Thai|Thai boxer]] or [[full contact karate]] fighter who has trained in [[wrestling]] to avoid takedowns to keep the fight standing. Often, these fighters will study [[submission wrestling]] to avoid being submitted, should they find themselves on the ground. This style can be deceptively different from traditional kickboxing styles, since sprawl-and-brawlers must adapt their techniques to incorporate [[takedown (grappling)|takedown]] and [[ground fighting]] defense. [[Chuck Liddell]] and [[Mirko Filipović|Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipović]] are examples of sprawl-and-brawl fighters.
====Clinch fighting====
Clinch fighting and ''dirty boxing'' are tactics consisting of using a [[grappling hold#Clinch hold|clinch hold]] to prevent the opponent from moving away into more distant striking range, while also attempting takedowns and [[strike (attack)|striking]] the opponent using [[knee (strike)|knees]], [[stomp (strike)|stomps]], [[elbow (strike)|elbows]], and [[punches]]. The clinch is often utilized by wrestlers that have added in components of the striking game (typically boxing), and [[Muay Thai]] fighters.
Wrestlers may use clinch fighting as a way to neutralize the superior striking skills of a stand-up fighter or to prevent takedowns by a superior ground fighter. The clinch of a [[Muay Thai]] fighter is often used to improve the accuracy of [[knee (strike)|knees]] and [[elbow (strike)|elbows]] by physically controlling the position of the opponent. [[Wanderlei Silva]] and [[Anderson Silva]] are examples of effective clinch fighters.
====Ground-and-pound====<!-- This section is linked from [[Tito Ortiz]] -->
[[Image:MMA.png|thumb|left|200px|Ground-and-pound in action]]
Ground-and-pound is a ground fighting tactic consisting of taking an opponent to the ground using a takedown or throw, obtaining a top, or dominant, [[grappling position|position]], and then striking the opponent, primarily with the fists. Ground-and-pound is also used as a precursor to attempting submission holds.
This style is used by wrestlers or other fighters well-versed in submission defense and skilled at [[takedown (grappling)|takedowns]]. They take the fight to the ground, maintain a [[grappling position]], and [[strike (attack)|strike]] until their opponent [[submission (combat sport term)|submits]] or is [[knockout|knocked out]]. Although not a traditional style of striking (it was first demonstrated as an effective technique by [[UFC]] and [[PRIDE]] grand prix champion, [[Mark Coleman]]), the effectiveness and reliability of ground-and-pound has made it a popular tactic. Today, strikes on the ground are an essential part of a fighter's training. [[Randy Couture]] and [[Tito Ortiz]] are examples of effective ground-and-pound fighters.
====Submission grappling====
<!--[[Image:ArmyMilCombativesChokehold.jpg|thumb|right|[[United States Army Combatives School|U.S. Army Combatives]] instructor [[Matt Larsen]] applies a [[chokehold|choke]] from the [[Mount (grappling)|mount position]].]]-->
Apart from being a general martial arts term, submission [[grappling]] is also a reference to the ground fighting tactic consisting of taking an opponent to the ground using a takedown or [[throw (grappling)|throw]] and then applying a [[grappling hold#Submission hold|submission hold]], forcing the opponent to [[submission (combat sport term)|submit]]. While grapplers will often work to attain [[grappling position|dominant position]], some may be more comfortable fighting from other positions. If a grappler finds themselves unable to force a takedown, they may resort to ''pulling [[Guard (grappling)|guard]]'', whereby they physically pull their opponent into a dominant position on the ground.
Submissions are an essential part of many disciplines, most notably [[catch wrestling]], [[judo]], [[sambo (martial art)|Sambo]], [[pankration]], Army [[Combatives]], [[MCMAP]] and [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]]. [[Josh Barnett]], [[BJ Penn]], the brothers [[Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira|Antônio Rodrigo]] and [[Antônio Rogério Nogueira]], [[Shinya Aoki]] and [[Fedor Emelianenko]] are examples of submission grapplers.
The [[ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship|Abu Dhabi Combat Club]] and [[International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles|FILA]] Grappling World Wrestling Games are examples of submission grappling tournaments.
====Lay-and-pray====
''Lay-and-pray'' is a [[pejorative]] term for a strategy whereby a fighter can control their opponent on the ground, but is unable to mount an effective offense.<ref>{{cite web
| title = Leben, an Everett fighter, is top contender in booming sport
| publisher = [[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]
| date = [[July 27]], [[2006]]
| url = http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/othersports/278952_leben27.html
| accessdate = 2007-01-25
}}</ref> They simply seek to negate the offense of their opponent, "praying" for a decision victory. In some MMA promotions, penalties may be imposed for ''lay-and-pray'' techniques if the referee determines that a fighter is stalling.
== Safety ==
While competition in the sport is occasionally depicted as brutal by the media,<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20061011/ai_n16768457
| title = Sweet science morphing into Brutality TV
| accessdate = 2006-12-22
| last = Telander
| first = Rick
| publisher = [[Chicago Sun-Times]]
| format = Reprint
| date = [[October 11]], [[2006]]
}}</ref> there had never been a death or crippling injury in a sanctioned event in North America<ref>{{cite web
| first = Dave
| last = Doyle
| url = http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/FOXSportsMMA/2006/10/11/MMAs_alleged_brutality_and_more
| title = MMA's alleged brutality, and more
| accessdate = 2006-12-22
| date = [[October 11]], [[2006]]
}}</ref> until the death of [[Sam Vasquez]] on [[November 30]], [[2007]].<ref name="Vasquez death">{{cite web
| publisher = ''Sherdog.com''
| url = http://www.sherdog.com/news/news.asp?n_id=10203
| title = Update: Sam Vasquez Dead at 35
| accessdate = 2007-12-02
| date = [[2007-12-02]]
}}</ref> Vasquez collapsed shortly after being knocked out by Vince Libardi in the third round of an [[October 20]], [[2007]] fight at the [[Toyota Center (Houston)|Toyota Center]] in [[Houston]], [[Texas]].<ref>{{cite web
| first = Steve
| last = Sievert
| publisher = ''Houston Chronicle''
| url = http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/mixedmartialarts/5327913.html
| title = Mixed Martial Arts Notebook: Vasquez in toughest fight
| accessdate = 2007-12-02
| date = [[2007-11-26]]
}}</ref> Vasquez had two separate surgeries to remove blood clots from his brain, and shortly after the second operation suffered a major stroke and never regained consciousness.<ref name="Vasquez death"/> While questions have been asked about Vasquez's health before his final bout no firm indications of pre-existing problems have yet surfaced. Since he was age 35, he would have had to undergo extensive pre-fight medical screening in order to obtain a license to compete in Texas.<ref name="Vasquez death"/>
This was the third verified fatality in MMA. The first in MMA competition was the 1998 death of [[Douglas Dedge]] in an unsanctioned fight in Ukraine. There are unconfirmed reports that Dedge had a pre-existing medical condition.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Iole
| first = Kevin
| title = Pain, lots of blood symbols of MMA
| publisher = [[Las Vegas Review-Journal]]
| date = [[August 20]], [[2006]], 4J
| url = http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Aug-20-Sun-2006/news/9034699.html
| accessdate = 2007-01-08
}}</ref> The second was the 2005 death of a 35-year old man only identified as Lee in South Korea. This took place in an unsanctioned event in a restaurant called Gimme Five.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Rahn
| first = Kim
| title = Mixed Martial Arts Games Trigger Safety Concerns
| url = http://innovativema.ca/forum/showthread.php?p=3074
| accessdate = 2008-06-29
}}</ref>
A study by [[Johns Hopkins University]] concluded, "the overall injury rate [excluding injury to the brain] in MMA competitions is now similar to other combat sports [involving [[Strike (attack)|striking]]], including [[boxing]]. Knockout rates are lower in MMA competitions than in boxing. This suggests a reduced risk of [[traumatic brain injury]] in MMA competitions when compared to other events involving striking."<ref>[http://www.jssm.org/combat/1/18/v5combat-18.pdf Incidence of Injury in Professional Mixed Martial Arts Competitions] - Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, study published in the [[Journal of Sports Science and Medicine]], July 2006.</ref>
==See also==
*[[List of male mixed martial artists]]
*[[List of female mixed martial artists]]
*[[Freestyle fighting]]
==Notes==
{{reflist|2}}
==References==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite web
| author = Danaher, John; Gracie, Renzo
| url = http://www.hkaustralia.com/products/showexcerpt.cfm?excerpt_id=3260
| title = Phases of Combat
| publisher = Human Kinetics
| accessdate = 2006-02-11
}}
* {{cite book
| last = Gentry
| first = Clyde
| title = No Holds Barred: Ultimate Fighting and the Martial arts Revolution
| publisher = Milo Books
| year = 2005
| isbn = 978-1903854303
}}
* {{cite web
| author = Kallini, Christopher; Meyer, Rob
| url = http://www.faqs.org/faqs/martial-arts/faq/part3/
| title = rec.martial-arts FAQ
| publisher = Internet FAQ Archives
| accessdate = 2006-02-11
}}
* {{cite web
| last = Kesting
| first = Stephan
| url = http://www.grapplearts.com/The-MMA-Formula.htm
| title = The MMA Formula: Striking + Takedowns + Groundwork
| publisher = Grapple Arts
| accessdate = 2006-02-06
}}
* {{cite web
| url = http://www.mmafights.co.uk/mma-fighter-rankings.html
| title = Official MMA Rankings
| publisher = Sherdog
| accessdate = 2006-02-06
}}
*{{cite web
| url = http://boxing.nv.gov/docs/MMA%20RULES%20Expained.pdf
| title = Nevada Administrative Code, Chapter 467, Unarmed Combat: MMA Rules Explained
| publisher = [[Nevada State Athletic Commission]]
| date = [[August 11]], [[2006]]
| accessdate = 2006-06-18
}}
*{{cite news
| last = Plotz
| first = David
| title = Fight Clubbed
| publisher = [[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]
| date = [[November 11]], [[1997]]
| url = http://www.slate.com/id/46344/
| accessdate = 2006-12-26
}}
* {{cite web
| last = Pratt
| first = Ryan
| url = http://www.grapplearts.com/Sport-Specific-MMA-Training.htm
| title = Sport Specific Training for MMA (Mixed Martial arts)
| publisher = Grapple Arts
| accessdate = 2006-02-06
}}
{{refend}}
{{MMA organizations}}
{{Martial arts}}
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