Top 5 Illegal Moves in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) You Should Know

Illegal Moves:

Do you think that professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fights work without rules? Do you believe that you can use any method to overcome your opponent? Well, you couldn’t be more wrong!

In the year 2000, the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts were put in place to ensure fair play and the protection of professional fighters. These are a consistent set of rules that have been introduced by UFC, the largest promoter of MMA fights in the world. The association has been adding rules to this style of fighting to distance it from its stereotyped, barbaric image.

So all the new fans, pay attention to the below-mentioned lethal moves that have been declared illegal by the UFC:

1. Headbutts

Head butts are aggressive thrusts from the top of the head to hit the sensitive portions of the head, face, or body of the opponent. These are quick moves that can result in grave injuries to the opponent. It is forbidden to headbutt your opponent in most contact fights, including MMA.

2. Eye Pokes

Poking, jabbing, and striking eyes with fingers or hands is illegal in MMA fights. These have been heavily exploited by professional MMA fighters to injure their opponents. The fights are stopped temporarily, or the poker is disqualified and loses the fight automatically.

3. Groin Attack

Groin shots are one of the main illegal strikes. If a fighter has been shot in the groin and the shot is seen by the referee, he/she is given five minutes to recover. If the strike is such that the fighter cannot recover, the striker is disqualified and loses the fight.

4. 12-6 Elbows

12-6 elbows or Downward Elbow strikes are the most exploited move in an MMA fight. It is when a person strikes down their elbow straight to hurt their opponent on the floor. This move is life-threatening and hence has been banned.

5. Fish Hooking

Fish hooking is a dirty move that involves inserting a finger or fingers of one or both hands into the mouth and nostrils of a person and pulling away as if catching them like a fish on a hook. This technique is prohibited because it may result in irreparable damage to the face.

The mixed martial arts rules are there to be followed because they ensure the safety of fighters, support sportsmanship, and uphold the integrity of the sport.

Every fighter is supposed to know what is legal and what is not before getting into the octagon. Being aware of the rules means that there will be fair competition and the sport will be both exciting and safe for all.

Wish to be a training pro and not break the rules? Get to know more about professional MMA training workouts and the development of your skills in a safe way within the framework of the UFC requirements.