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