The California State Athletic Commission has proposed controversial rule changes in MMA, including redefining grounded opponents and allowing 12-6 elbows. This move has sparked a heated debate within the MMA community.
| Proposed Rule Changes in MMA |
|---|
| – Redefinition of grounded opponent |
- Elimination of prohibition on 12-6 elbows
| Key Points |
|---|
| – 12-6 elbows have been a topic of controversy in MMA |
- Jon Jones’ disqualification loss to Matt Hamill brought attention to this issue
- Current rulebook defines 12-6 elbows as illegal
- Proposed changes aim to expand the definition of a grounded opponent
- Debate within the MMA community is divided on the proposed changes
- Supporters argue for modernization of rules, while opponents express concerns about potential risks
- Outcome of the debate will have significant implications for the future of MMA
In a recent development, the California State Athletic Commission has put forward a proposal to make significant changes to the current rules of MMA. The proposed amendments, if approved, would redefine what constitutes a grounded opponent and eliminate the prohibition on 12-6 elbows. This move has ignited a heated debate within the MMA community.
The 12-6 elbow strike has long been a topic of contention among fans and fighters alike. It gained notoriety after Jon Jones’ disqualification loss to Matt Hamill in 2009. Despite dominating the fight, Jones was deemed to have violated the rule and was disqualified by referee Steve Mazzagatti. Many, including UFC President Dana White and commentator Joe Rogan, believe that Jones should still be considered undefeated.
According to the current rulebook, a 12-6 elbow is defined as an elbow strike thrown in a direct downward motion, resembling the numbers 12 and 6 on a clock. All other elbow strikes are legal, except for the 12-6 variation. This rule has been heavily criticized, with Rogan being one of its most vocal opponents.
The proposed changes by the California State Athletic Commission aim to redefine what constitutes a grounded opponent. Currently, a fighter is considered grounded when they have both hands or feet touching the canvas. The new definition would expand this to include any body part other than the hands or feet making contact with the canvas.
Additionally, the proposal seeks to remove the prohibition on 12-6 elbows. If approved, fighters would be allowed to use this striking technique without fear of disqualification. The commission argues that fighters should not be penalized for utilizing a technique that is otherwise legal in other variations of elbow strikes.
The debate surrounding these proposed rule changes has divided the MMA community. Supporters argue that the current rules are outdated and restrict the fighters’ arsenal, while opponents express concerns about the potential risks and dangers associated with allowing 12-6 elbows. The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for the future of MMA and the legacies of fighters like Jon Jones.
Summary
- The California State Athletic Commission has proposed changes to the rules of MMA.
- The proposed amendments seek to redefine what constitutes a grounded opponent and eliminate the prohibition on 12-6 elbows.
- The 12-6 elbow strike has been a controversial topic in MMA, with Jon Jones’ disqualification loss being a notable example.
- The current rulebook defines a 12-6 elbow as a strike thrown in a direct downward motion.
- The proposed changes would expand the definition of a grounded opponent and allow the use of 12-6 elbows.
- The debate surrounding these changes has divided the MMA community.
- Supporters argue that the current rules are outdated, while opponents express concerns about the potential risks.
- The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for the future of MMA.
