Mixed martial arts are a type of martial arts, which is often unknowingly called "fights without rules." In fact, this is a combination of martial arts. The fight takes place in full contact, therefore, the fight is allowed in shock and wrestling equipment on the floor (in the stalls) and in the stance (in the clinch). For the first time, a term such as MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) was introduced back in 1995 by Ric Blum, president of the Battlecade mixed martial arts organization. Over time, this name has become generally accepted not only in English-speaking countries.
History of creation
Modern mixed martial arts originate from Vale Tudo competitions, which in literal translation from Portuguese means "everything is allowed." In countries such as Japan and Brazil, the roots of the mixfight go back to shoot-wrestling since 1930. At that time, the two most prominent representatives of jujitsu announced an official invitation to the battle of any person.
As for Japan, the mixed martial arts fighter in the 70s of the last century Kanji Inoki fought several fights according to the combined rules. Specifically, on June 26, 1976, a phenomenal meeting took place with the legendary boxer Mohammed Ali. Initially, they planned a standard fight, in which the standard rules of mixed martial arts will apply, but 2 days before that, several restrictions were introduced, which subsequently greatly influenced the outcome of the match. Kanji Inoki was allowed to kick only in the position of one knee on the mat, so he spent the whole fight lying on the floor, and Ali managed to inflict only 6 hits. The whole meeting was so uninteresting that after that for a long time no such competitions were held. And due to the fact that Inoki did not allow Ali to come up against himself, defending himself with “low kicks” and getting on his feet, there was even a question about the continuation of his boxing career.
Despite the fact that mixed martial arts did not get much distribution, Kanji sometimes continued to hold such meetings, and in 1986 the first organization was formed, which was engaged in such fights and was called "Shuto".
Development in Russia
A significant contribution to the development of mixed martial arts was made by the famous Bruce Lee, back in the 60s. The philosophy that he preached was called "Jitkundo." Its main principle was the ability to adapt to any type of combat. Thus, the teachings and films with Bruce Lee made a rather large contribution to the development of MMA. Not for nothing that already in 2004, the president of the Association for the Combat of the Rules Dane White said that Bruce Lee is the "father of mixed martial arts."
As for the origin of the "mixfight" on the territory of the USSR, it is safe to say that we owe it to such a martial art as sambo. Back in 1938, it was developed on the basis of certain types of other martial arts.
In modern Russia, mixed fights are somewhat inferior in development to the same America, where MMA has grown into a kind of cult, which every year worships more and more people of different ages, skin color, gender and religion. But at the same time, it is worth noting the huge contribution to the development of this sport Fedor Emelianenko, who, together with his brother and director of the M-1 Vadim Finkelshtein, develop this species in the Russian Federation. Thanks to these people, already in September 2012, the Ministry of Sports officially recognized MMA, and at the same time the MMA Union of Russia was created.
MMA in the world and the Russian Federation
It's no secret that Mixed Martial Arts is gaining more and more popularity every day across the planet and Russia in particular. Some experts say that this type of martial arts originates long before our era, but, in principle, there is some truth in this, because even the gladiators of ancient Rome owned all the possible (at that time) fighting techniques.
The appearance of this type of meetings in the ring allowed to completely supplant fights without rules. It's no secret that virtually every second mixed martial arts fighter came into this sport precisely after street “artisanal” fights in which almost everything is allowed.
Bellator
Mixed Martial Arts Bellator is an American organization that holds tournaments under its auspices. The winner is determined by the Olympic scheme. Weight categories are very diverse, and the fight for the championship belt is even among the female representatives.
The founder of the organization "Mixed Martial Arts Bellator" Björn Kids. From its inception to modern times, the company is based in Newport Beach. Tournaments from this association are held every year and are called “seasons”. Events from this organization are quite popular and spectacular, often you can see not only an interesting fight, but also a lot of newcomers who will prove themselves well, and subsequently become world-famous champions. But such tournaments are not only a start opportunity for beginners, but also competitions with professional fighters.
Top 10 best fighters
10. Rickson Gracie - Brazil. Over 400 victories in various martial arts.
9. Frank Shamrock - an excellent fighting technique. He returned to the professional ring after a 7-year break.
8. Chuck Liddell - “Ice” - thanks to his knockout punch, he very often ended fights ahead of schedule.
7. Mirko Fillipovich - “Croc” - in addition to the championship in MMA, he was a kickboxing champion in the K-1 rules.
6. Matt Hughes - “Baby” - ten years lifted the belt of the absolute champion in welterweight.
5. Kazushi Sakuraba - developed a unique style, thanks to which he managed to emerge victorious in many fights.
4. Randy Couture - "Natural." Member of the UFC Hall of Fame and five-time heavyweight champion.
3. Wanderlei Silva - “An Ax Killer”. Fully lives up to his nickname thanks to early victories over recognized champions.
2. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira - “The Minotaur” - has the unique ability to carry out a lightning-fast and successful counterattack after taking the hit. Master of painful techniques.
1. Fedor Emelianenko. The best world champions and fighters tried to crush the Russian athlete. On account of 2 losses and 5 years of unconditional victories.
Weight categories
| Weight, kg) | English category name | name of category |
| up to 57 | Flyweight | Lightest weight |
| 57 - 61 | Bantamweight | Light weight |
| 61 - 66 | Featherweight | Feather-weight |
| 66 - 70 | Lightweight | A light weight |
| 70 - 77 | Welterweight | Welterweight |
| 77 - 84 | Middleweight | Average weight |
| 84 - 93 | Light heavyweight | Light weight |
| 93 - 120 | Heavyweight | Heavy weight |
| from 120 | Super heavyweight | Heavyweight |
Fighters Clothing
If we talk about clothes that mixed martial arts allow, fighters have the opportunity to go to the confrontation in shorts (as for men). The use of kimonos is also prohibited. This is a necessary measure, which was taken in order to exclude the possibility of suffocating reception by the collar and at the same time reduce the advantage of the fighters that go to battle without outerwear. For women, special sports bras are used in conjunction with shorts .
rules
Every fight is fundamental for a fighter, but the greatest responsibility lies with him when this or that tournament takes place. Mixed martial arts mean a set of rules that must be obeyed. For example, special pads are put on the hands, in which the fingers are free. Such “cue ball" is much thinner than the same boxing gloves, which is why every hit can be decisive. And the pads, in turn, reduce the risks of dissection.
The time period of all fights often comes down to 3 rounds of 5 minutes. As for the title fights, their number increases to 5.
It is worth noting that some rules in different countries have several differences, but almost everywhere they are prohibited:
- finger attack of unprotected places;
- bites
- finger grip;
- blows to the spine, groin, neck and throat;
- pokes in the eyes.
The end of the battle
There are several options for ending the match:
1. Voluntary surrender, when the fighter himself makes it clear to the referee who serves the meeting that he refuses to continue the fight. This can be done verbally, or you can tap on your opponent or mat.
2. In the case of a knockout (KO), when the opponent is unconscious or unable to continue the fight (by decision of the referee).
3. Technical knockout (TKO) can be made in case of a requirement to stop the fight (for example, by a trainer) or the inability of the fighter to continue the fight. This can be done by a doctor, corner second or referee.
4. By decision of the judges.
This is how fights take place. Mixed martial arts are very interesting, and it is better to see once than hear a hundred times. There are times when even girls, who are very gentle and vulnerable by nature, plunge headlong into watching a duel and forget about everything. Therefore, at least once, but it is worth attending a similar event. As in ancient Rome, the people are asking for the same thing - bread and circuses!