MMA Melbourne: what you need to know

MMA Melbourne

The term ‘MMA’ is really common these days, as the sport continues to rise in popularity. The fanbase of MMA in Melbourne and all around the world is growing faster and faster. But while most of us have a vague idea of the sport, not as many of us know exactly what it is.

A mixed bag

MMA, or mixed martial arts, has a mix of influences, from disciplines such as boxing, karate, kickboxing, muay thai, wrestling, and many more. MMA fights take place in a ring and typically they consist of three rounds of five minutes each.

Rules

While MMA might seem to the untrained eye to be two fighters attacking each other in any way possible, there are rules to the sport. For example, it’s against the rules to headbutt your opponent. Small joint (e.g. fingers or toes) manipulation and unsportsmanlike behaviour is also against the rules. Players can be fouled and points deducted if they don’t play fair.

Points

In a professional fight, three judges adjudicate the match, and award points to each player using a complex scoring system. The points are based on techniques such as striking, control of the area, grappling, and attack and defense.

The fight can end in a number of ways, such as knockout, judge’s decision, forfeit, submission, among others.

As you can see there is a lot more to MMA than meets the eye – but don’t let that put you off pursuing the sport for yourself. There’s a reason why more and more people are signing up to MMA classes. Get in touch with the team at Extreme MMA so we can help get you started in this great sport.