Weird and Unusual Rules in UFC: The Oddities of the Octagon
The UFC is the flagship promotion for the sport of mixed martial arts, or MMA, which is a full-contact combat sport that allows both striking and grappling techniques taken from boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai, among others. Although the UFC follows a specific set of rules called the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, some of the regulations and guidelines may look quite odd to the spectator. All these rules are meant to protect the fighters, make the sport as equal as possible, and keep the sport honorable. In this article, I want to discuss some of the interesting and rather strange rules that are in place in the UFC. The Unified Rules of Mixed Martial ArtsIn order to comprehend odd rules, it is first necessary to comprehend the basis of these rules. The Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts were adopted in 2000 by the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board. These rules are followed by most of the athletic commissions in North America and are applicable to the UFC. They discuss weight classes, judging, what is considered foul, and what substances are banned in the sport. Weight Classes and Weigh-InsPerhaps one of the most interesting features of the UFC is the very rigorous weighing system of the fighters. Each combatant has to report to the scale at the right time and be within a particular weight category to qualify to fight. However, the weigh-in process itself can be quite unusual: Early Weigh-Ins: Boxers may come to the weigh-in before midday, sometimes even more than a few hours before the weigh-in session that the fans are allowed to see. This rule was introduced to help fighters have enough time for rehydration after they have had to shed many pounds in preparation for the bout. Tolerance for Overweight Fighters: If a fighter loses weight, he can fight but loses a certain amount of his fight purse to his opponent. This rule takes into consideration the fact that weight-cutting is a big challenge while at the same time making sure that the fighters are made to suffer the consequences of failing to make the required weight. Fouls and Unusual ProhibitionsThe Unified Rules outline numerous fouls, some of which might seem odd or overly specific: No Groin Attacks of Any Kind: Although this may sound rather obvious, the addition of ‘any kind’ is quite significant given the need to shield fighters from possible career-threatening complications. No Eye Gouging: It does not distinguish between intentional and accidental violations, and since eye injuries are particularly dangerous, fighters must not perform any actions that may result in such injuries. No Fish Hooking: Fish hooking is another rough tactic that entails placing fingers in an opponent’s mouth, nose, or eyes and pulling them. This rule underlines the necessity of adhering to a specific code of conduct and manners inside the octagon cage. No 12-6 Elbows: Probably the most discussed rule of MMA is that striking with the elbow in the 12-6 position, that is, straight down, is prohibited. This rule was based on the assumption that such strikes are more dangerous; however, numerous fighters and specialists stated that there is nothing more dangerous about them than any other elbow strikes. No Spiking: There are certain rules that are banned in the cage, such as that the fighter cannot spike the opponent onto their head or neck. The rationale for this rule is to reduce severe spinal injuries. Significantly, this rule was previously used to eliminate one of the sport’s most popular athletes, Jon Jones, in a bout he was otherwise dominating. The Referee as a FacilitatorThe referee has the responsibility of monitoring the fight and making sure that the fighters do not violate any of the set rules. Some of the referee’s responsibilities might seem unusual but are essential for the smooth conduct of a fight: Checking for Illegal Substances: Before the fight starts, officials search for prohibited items such as illegal substances and oils that may help the fighters. This ranges from things such as Vaseline, which prevents an opponent from achieving a good grip when grappling. Monitoring Corner Interactions: The referee makes sure that cornermen do not go overboard in terms of what they say and do when the fight is on. For instance, cornermen are prohibited from applying ice to the fighter’s body owing to the fact that this may be used as a ruse to conceal injuries or exhaustion. Verbal Submissions: Referees are also taught about verbal submissions, which are less common, but they include a fighter who decides to stop fighting through his or her words. This occasionally causes frustration since the noise of the crowd or a misunderstanding may cause a dispute over the outcome. Restrictions based on time and the structure of the roundThe format of a UFC match is such that it challenges a fighter in terms of technique, stamina, and game plan. Some aspects of the round structure might seem peculiar: Five-Minute Rounds: UFC fights are in three five-minute rounds, except for the championship and main event fights, which are five five-minute rounds. This format is such that it will ensure that there is constant action while at the same time taking into consideration the physical endurance of the fighters. Rest Periods: In between each round, the fighter is given one minute to consult with his or her corner, get instructions, and rest for the next round. Indeed, this short break could turn out to be significant for a fighter’s game plan and fitness levels. The Judging CriteriaThe scoring system in the UFC can also seem unusual, particularly to those more familiar with traditional sports. 10-Point Must System: Judges rate a round using the 10-point must system, in which the victor of the round gets 10 points and the vanquished gets 9 points or below. This system, borrowed from boxing, can result in some confusion as to the final decision, especially when the rounds are closely contested. Effective Striking and Grappling: The momentary output