Kicks to the Head of a Downed Opponent, Mixed Martial Arts and Rules for Pro-Fighters
In this interview Elias Cepeda argues that Mixed Martial Arts is unique in sport, because it more accurately simulates combat than any other form of fight sport. For years, he argues, students of fighting styles like kickboxing, boxing, and jujitsu have competed only against other students in their own disciplines. What is exciting about Mixed Martial Arts (from here on referred to as MMA) is seeing all of these styles tested in an environment where all are welcome to compete. By taking out a lot of the rules MMA has made a more real, and Elias would argue better, fighting scenario.
But, even mixed martial arts has rules. What rules are good rules? Elias argues that fighters should be allowed to strike each other with elbows anywhere, kick downed opponents and strikes to the groin among other things.
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This may sound like a fantastic series of claims, but Elias has well-considered arguments in support of each of them. I have my own opinion on this but, I’d ask you to listen to his interview and draw your own conclusions.
Elias Cepeda is a journalist for Inside Fighting and a friend of mine. Elias has covered boxing and Mixed Martial arts for UFC.com, Fox Sports on MSN, and numerous other publications.
photo credit: MartialUniversity.org
Oct 12, 2009
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Oct 13, 2009
I haven’t seen a UFC match in about 4-5 years, but I have to say, I tend to agree with your guest. As long as they all know the rules and accept them before they begin, I don’t see the harm in it. Sports tend to get less enjoyable when they create too many rules because it tends to destroy the flow of the athleticism. Who wants to watch an official micro-manage for 1-3 hours?
Oct 13, 2009
I had a feeling you would fall on the side of freedoms over controls Charles. It is the lack of fighting that makes MMA, what it is. I also have a pretty good guess how you are going to feel about the next article.
Oct 13, 2009
Yeah, I’m pretty predictable. Whenever it comes to society or political concerns I err on the side of freedom. In the case of sports though, doesn’t it drive you a little loopy sometimes when you’re watching a game and play is stopped for about the 13th time in 2 minutes for a flag or an instant replay?
Oct 13, 2009
Yes. Totally.
I could do ten posts about how to improve football, and one of the first ones would be about speeding up the game. It’s totally ridiculous how long these games last and penalties are big part of that.
Oct 18, 2009
Did you see Chuck Liddell on Dancing with the Stars? Who says ultimate fighters aren’t graceful?
Oct 18, 2009
I was a fan of Chuck in the octagan, but I can’t say I have seen any “Dancing with the Stars”.
BTW Where’s your link Frank? Have you stopped writing your blog?
Jun 12, 2010
The information here is truly unbelieveable. I look forward to seeing more articles like this in the future. i like the UFC!