New MMA Rules Go Into Effect January 1, 2017
The Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) has made some changes to MMA’s Unified Rules, and those changes will go into effect beginning Jan. 1, 2017. The new rule changes include what constitutes a grounded fighter, scoring criteria and more.
Mohegan Sun and California and other commissions could have put the rules in as early as this week, but they have chosen not to. There are jurisdictions that will have to get a majority vote from its commissioners to approve the rules. Here are the rule changes:
Grounded fighter: A grounded fighter is defined as any part of the body, other than a single hand and feet touching the fighting area floor. To be grounded, both hands and feet, palm/fist down, and/or any other body part must be touching the fighting area floor. At this time, kicks or knees to the head will not be allowed.
Extended fingers: In the standing position, a fighter that moves their arm(s) toward their opponent with an open hand, fingers pointing at the opponent’s face/eyes, will be a foul. Referees are to prevent this dangerous behavior by communicating clearly to fighters. Fighters are directed to close their fists or point their fingers straight in the air when reaching toward their opponent.
Female clothing: Female competitors must wear a short-sleeved (above the elbow) or sleeveless form-fitting rash guard and/or sports bra. No loose-fitting tops are allowed. Female competitors will follow the same requirements for bottom coverings as the male competitors, minus the requirement for groin protection.
Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission (CABMMA) director Cristiano Sampaio was in attendance at the conference and stated that they will use the new rules passed by the ABC, even though CABMMA is not yet a voting member of the body.
ABC’s MMA rules and regulations committee and medical committee had a vote of 42-1. New Jersey was the only no vote.
