| Mixed martial arts, often referred to as MMA, | | | | position, fighters can utilize knees to the |
| is currently a growing phenomenon in the | | | | body or head and dictate the positioning of |
| United States, though the sport has been | | | | the opponent. Another huge aspect of mixed |
| popular in many other countries for decades. | | | | martial arts is ground fighting. It is very |
| MMA brings together a diverse array of | | | | common for a fight to end up on the ground at |
| fighting disciplines into one competitive | | | | some point during the competition. Wrestlers |
| arena hence the sport's name. Regulated to | | | | usually favor attempting to get their foe to |
| ensure fighter safety, MMA now allows us to | | | | the ground so that submissions can be |
| view a much richer human combat experience, | | | | attempted. Taking a fight to the ground also |
| pitting disciplines from around the globe | | | | nullifies much of an opponent's striking |
| against each other in the ultimate one on one | | | | options and is usually a fighter's strategy |
| competition. Often compared and contrasted to | | | | when facing a superior striker. Once grounded |
| boxing, MMA offers dimensions not found in | | | | and in a dominate position, strikes can be |
| boxing such as take downs, kicks and | | | | used (also known as "ground and pound) or |
| submission holds. While there are many | | | | submissions can be applied. Mixed martial |
| obscure disciplines and sub-styles, this | | | | arts incorporates so many unique fighting |
| article will outline the three broad combat | | | | disciplines and strategies that mastering one |
| situations that fighters find themselves in | | | | could be a life long endeavor. Often, |
| when competing in mixed martial arts. When | | | | fighters will become familiar with other |
| most people think of a fight, striking from a | | | | styles not necessarily so that they can |
| standing position is what immediately comes | | | | utilize them, but so that they can defend |
| to mind. Indeed striking is a huge part of | | | | against them. For instance, it isn't uncommon |
| the sport of MMA, namely punches, kicks, | | | | for strikers to learn submissions even if |
| knees and elbows. Most MMA organizations have | | | | they never plan to use them. This enables the |
| restrictions on where fighters may strike an | | | | fighters to recognize and defend against |
| opponent and in what situation a strike is | | | | holds that an opponent may be setting up or |
| legal to apply. For instance, some | | | | attempting. For years, people have debated |
| organizations do not allow strikes to the | | | | which fighting discipline is superior and MMA |
| back of the head or spine and disallow kicks | | | | seems to be as close to a true proving ground |
| to the head of a downed opponent. Rules such | | | | as there is. So much depends on mastery and |
| as these are helping the sport become more | | | | execution of the discipline by the individual |
| accepted by not only mainstream viewers, but | | | | fighter however, not simply the discipline |
| state athletic commissions as well. | | | | itself, as is evidenced by the diverse |
| Kickboxing, Boxing and Muay Thai are fighting | | | | fighters that have found success in this |
| disciplines that place heavy emphasis on | | | | incredibly exciting sport. |
| striking, particularly from a standing | | | | |
| position. Some disciplines, in particular | | | | Eric Pratt has been following different MMA |
| Muay Thai, rely on utilizing a standing | | | | promotions over the years and runs a free web |
| position called "the clinch" to control and | | | | community geared specifically towards the |
| ultimately defeat an adversary. The clinch | | | | UFC. Visit to discuss MMA, read the latest |
| involves gripping an opponent behind the neck | | | | MMA news, watch free UFC video clips and vote |
| or head, usually with fingers interlaced, and | | | | to predict fight outcomes for the chance to |
| pulling forward and downward. From this | | | | win free prizes. |