MMA basics

Published: September 16, 2007

Confounded by this whole mixed martial arts phenomenon? Here's a look at the basics of MMA:

A combat sport that combines wrestling, boxing, karate, judo, jiu-jitsu and kickboxing.

In the 1920s, the Gracie family of Brazil invented a new form of jiu-jitsu, challenged anyone in any discipline and almost always won. In the 1990s, the Gracies brought that challenge to the United States. Art Davie, an advertising executive in Southern California, hatched the idea of bringing all the fighting styles together in a tournament. The first Ultimate Fighting Championship was held Nov. 12, 1993 at Denver's McNichols Sports Arena.

Shaped like an octagon, the mat measures 30 feet across and is surrounded by a chain-link fence.

Competitors must wear 4-60 ounce. gloves and boxing-like trunks. No shirts. No shoes.

Lightweight (145-155 pounds), welterweight (155-170), middleweight (170-185) light heavyweight (185-205) and heavyweight (205-265).

Championship bouts are five rounds while non-championship bouts are three. Rounds last five minutes with a one-minute rest period between each.

The original list of rules — no biting, no eye-gouging and no fish-hooking — has been expanded in recent years. Now, the rulebook lists 32 fouls, including hair pulling, groin attacking, and putting a finger into any orifice, cut or laceration on an opponent.

In all Ultimate Fighting Championship fights, three judges score each round and the winner receives 10 points, the loser nine points or less. If judges determine the round is even, both fighters receive 10 points.

A fighter wins a match one of four ways: by submission, the other fighter "tapping out” by pounding the mat; by knockout; by technical knockout, the referee or ringside doctor determining a fighter cannot defend himself; or by judges' decision.

Compiled by Jenni Carlson

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