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What is mixed martial arts. . . |
Mixed martial arts, and the Freestyle Combat Challenge in particular, allows highly-trained martial artists to test their skills in a no-holds-barred format. Any style is permitted, and rules are kept to a minimum to allow competitors to use their individual strengths.
To win, a competitor must make his opponent “tap out,” or submit within a given time period, or knock him unconscious. Fights consist of only one round of 10-15 minutes, depending on the event. If no winner is determined, by submission or knockout, three judges render a decision.
The minimal rules include no eye-gouging, no fish-hooking, no intentional groin attacks, no biting, and no downward pointed elbow attacks. The rules simply attempt to avoid serious injury. Rules vary among different promotions. But generally are kept to a minimum.
Competitors may wear whatever they feel comfortable competing in, but must wear a mouth guard, cup, and knuckle pads.
The sport of mixed martial arts, often called shootfighting, or extreme fighting among other names, represents the future of extreme sport competition. Moreso than any other sporting event, competitors rely solely on their own abilities. They have no props, no vehicles, no crutches of any kind to help make them look more impressive. Participants must push themselves to the limits of human endurance, physically and mentally, to prove their mettle. The result is a uniquely human contest that brings out the absolute best that people have to offer.
