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Monday 3 November 2008

How to Win in Mixed Martial Arts Fighting Competitions

Mixed martial arts competitions are captivating performances where two fighters of the same weight class but entirely different fighting styles come face to face in the ring to see who is the better fighter. Of the many techniques used is such matches, striking and punching are the most common, and the fighters are judged based on six different criteria. Foul criteria are also used to judge the victor of the match, unless one of the fighters either concedes the match or is knocked out.

In mixed martial arts tournaments, knockouts work in much the same way as they do in boxing matches. Provided the strike is legal, whenever a fighter is knocked unconscious during a match, his or her opponent is immediately declared the victor of the match. As ground fighting is not prohibited during these competitions, the match will be stopped once one fighter is unconscious to ensure that he or she does not sustain further injuries.

Technical knockouts may also occur, where the referee awards the match to one fighter because the other is no longer able to defend him or herself, having been struck too many times. A fighter who loses consciousness while in a hold, sustains a serious injury, or suffers a broken limb may be declared unable to continue by the fight doctor, thus the match will go to his or her opponent by default. If such injury is the result of an illegal move, however, then the match will be called "no contest" or the offending fighter disqualified. In matches that get this violent, a fighter's corner man may also "throw in the towel" for their fighter if he or she thinks the fighter is unable to continue.

Disregarding warnings by the referee or carrying out illegal moves or actions are grounds for disqualification of a fighter in a mixed martial arts fighting match. An offender will receive three warnings not to commit a particular fou, and if they persist, then they will be disqualified and removed from the ring.

A contest may not be called due to the same illegal action that results in a debilitating injury to one of the fighters. Mixed martial arts contests also may not be called if both fighters continuously disregard the rules throughout the match.

A submission ruling refers to occasions when a fighter concedes defeat during a mixed martial arts match. A fighter who wishes to do this will either tap their opponent or the mat three times, or they will say it out loud so that the judges and referees can hear. Finally, the judges of a match may call it if the fight drags for too long. Fighters will then be judged according to particular criteria based on a ten-point system, taking into account the points each fighter scored for their intensity, form, and other aspects of their performance. The victor will be the fighter who scored the most points during the match. Fouls such as strikes to the groin, head, or throat, head butting, clawing, hair pulling, throwing the opponent from the ring, abusive language, and spitting will all result in a deduction of points.

Dave Tessevich
http://www.themmafightsite.com
For more articles, information, and resources on mixed martial arts fighting, visit The MMA Fight Site

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