MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) is a combat sport that involves a variety of martial arts and fighting techniques.
Since it became popular worldwide, especially at events like the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), the sport has won over fans all over the world. With this in mind, we have created the MMA Glossary.
There are several terms and concepts that are fundamental to understanding and appreciating the sport, which is why we’re going to explore the 30 most important words in MMA.
The MMA Glossary will highlight each term with a brief explanation to make it easier to understand the sport as a whole. Check it out!
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MMA glossary: complete list
- Camp
- Cutman
- Challenger
- Finishing
- Guard
- Ground and Pound
- Judges
- Kickboxing
- Muay Thai
- Knockout
- Technical Knockout
- Octagon
- Welterweight
- Lightweight
- Middleweight
- Light-Middleweight
- Middleweight
- Heavy-Middleweight
- Heavyweight
- Scoring
- Promotion
- Round
- Sparring
- Coach
- Wrestling
MMA Glossary: learn more about the terms
Camp
A camp is a period of intensive training that fighters carry out before a fight. During the camp, athletes focus on improving their physical and mental skills, as well as developing specific strategies for their opponents.
Cutman
The cutman is a member of the fighter’s team responsible for treating injuries during the fight, especially cuts and swelling. They work quickly to minimize damage and keep the fighter in the best possible condition.
Challenger
The challenger is the fighter looking to face the champion for the title in their weight class. They are usually the best ranked in the division and must win a series of fights to secure a title shot.
Submission
The submission is a submission technique in which a fighter forces his opponent to give up the fight through a control position or a blow that applies pressure to joints, muscles or airways.
Guard
The guard is a fundamental position in MMA in which a fighter lies with his back to the ground and uses his legs to control or attack his opponent, often looking for opportunities for submissions.
Ground and Pound
Ground and Pound is a fighting strategy in which one fighter knocks their opponent to the ground and then delivers blows, usually punches, elbows or knees, while in a dominant position.
Judges
The judges are responsible for scoring points during the fight, assessing the effectiveness of the blows, the techniques applied and the fighters’ control of the fight. They determine the winner if the fight goes to the end without knockouts or finishes.
Kickboxing
Kickboxing combines boxing techniques with kicks, allowing for a greater variety of standing attacks.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a Thai martial art known as the “art of eight weapons”, due to its use of fists, elbows, knees and legs. In MMA, Muay Thai is valued for its effectiveness in standing attacks.
Knockout
This is when a fighter incapacitates their opponent, rendering them unconscious or unable to continue the fight. This can happen due to blunt blows, such as punches or kicks, or even by submissions.
Technical knockout
A technical knockout is declared when a referee stops the fight because one of the fighters can no longer continue safely.
Octagon
The octagon is the ring where MMA fights take place. It has eight sides surrounded by a metal grid and provides space for the fighters to move around while keeping the fight within defined limits.
Weights
Bantamweight
Bantamweight is one of the weight categories in MMA, with fighters weighing up to 61.2 kg. Weight categories are important in MMA to ensure fair and balanced fights between fighters of similar sizes.
Lightweight
Light-heavyweight is a weight category in MMA for fighters weighing up to 70.3 kg (155 lbs). Fighters in this category are known for their technical skill and endurance, making for exciting matches.
Middleweight
Middleweight is a category for fighters weighing up to 83.9 kg. These fighters usually combine speed and power, making it a very competitive category.
Light-Middleweight
The light-middleweight is a category for fighters who weigh up to 83.9 kg (185 lbs), but compete with a slightly higher weight limit. This allows fighters close to the weight limit to have a fairer competition.
Middleweight
Middleweight is a weight category in MMA for fighters weighing up to 77.1 kg. It is known for its diversity of fighting styles and the intensity of the competitions.
Middleweight
Middleweight is a weight class in MMA for fighters weighing up to 93 kg. This category is known for its powerful and athletic fighters, capable of impressive finishes and devastating knockouts.
Heavyweight
Heavyweight is the highest weight category, with fighters who don’t have a maximum weight limit. The fighters in this category are known for their brute strength and knockout power, making the fights exciting and unpredictable.
Scoring
Scores are awarded by the judges based on the fighters’ performance in each round. Criteria such as punches, control of the fight and aggressiveness are taken into account to determine the winner of each round and, consequently, the fight.
Promotions
The promotion is the organization responsible for promoting MMA events, such as the UFC, Bellator, ONE Championship, among others. Promotions hire fighters, organize fights and events, and are responsible for marketing and broadcasting the fights to fans around the world.
Round
A round is a specific period of time during an MMA fight that can last around five minutes in professional fights. They are separated by one-minute breaks for rest and orientation of the fighters.
Sparring
Sparring is a training practice in which fighters simulate a real fight, but with controlled intensity to avoid injuries. It is essential for improving techniques and testing combat strategies.
Coach
The coach is responsible for guiding and preparing fighters for MMA competitions. They develop training strategies, provide feedback and emotional support to their athletes.
Wrestling
Wrestling is a martial art that emphasizes projection techniques, takedowns and ground control. In MMA, wrestling is often used to take down the opponent and control the fight on the ground.
MMA glossary: complete list
- Camp
- Cutman
- Challenger
- Finishing
- Guard
- Ground and Pound
- Judges
- Kickboxing
- Muay Thai
- Knockout
- Technical Knockout
- Octagon
- Welterweight
- Lightweight
- Middleweight
- Light-Middleweight
- Middleweight
- Heavy-Middleweight
- Heavyweight
- Scoring
- Promotion
- Round
- Sparring
- Coach
- Wrestling
MMA Glossary
What did you think of the MMA glossary with the main terms used in the sport? Take the opportunity to continue exploring the site and find out more about this martial art and many others! Your comments are also very welcome here!
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