HomeMMAThe Controversial Ban on 12-6 Elbow Strikes in MMA

The Controversial Ban on 12-6 Elbow Strikes in MMA

Explore the controversial ban on 12-6 elbow strikes in MMA and the arguments for and against it. Learn about its origins and the impact it has on the sport.

Topic Summary
Ban on 12-6 elbow strikes The ban on 12-6 elbow strikes in MMA has been a subject of debate since its inception. While some argue that the ban is necessary to prevent severe injuries, others believe that it limits the fighters’ techniques and hampers the evolution of the sport.
Origins of the ban The ban on 12-6 elbow strikes originated from concerns about the potential damage it could cause, particularly targeting the orbital bone and the risk of spinal injuries.
Joe Rogan’s insight Joe Rogan, a longtime UFC commentator, shared his take on the ban, stating that it originated from ‘Big’ John McCarthy and his association with late-night karate demonstrations. He argued that the 12-6 elbow strike is not necessarily more powerful than angled elbow strikes.
Association of Boxing Commissions report According to a recent report, the ban on linear elbow strikes was implemented for the advancement of the sport.

The ban on 12-6 elbow strikes in MMA has been a subject of debate since its inception. While some argue that the ban is necessary to prevent severe injuries, others believe that it limits the fighters’ techniques and hampers the evolution of the sport. As the MMA landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see if any changes are made to this controversial rule.

Mixed martial arts (MMA) has seen its fair share of rules and regulations over the years. One particular rule that has sparked controversy is the ban on 12-6 elbow strikes. In this article, we will delve into the origins of this ban and explore the arguments for and against it.

The Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts were established in 2000 to make the sport more mainstream. These rules aimed to provide a safer environment for fighters and ensure fair competition. Among the ruleset, certain maneuvers were outright banned, including the 12-6 elbow strike.

The primary justification for banning the 12-6 elbow strike was the potential damage it could cause. The strike involves a downward motion, with the elbow coming straight down from a 12 o’clock to 6 o’clock position. This trajectory was deemed dangerous, especially when targeting the orbital bone. There were concerns about severe injuries and even spinal damage if the strike was used in certain positions.

During a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Joe Rogan, a longtime UFC commentator, shared his insight into the ban. He revealed that the ban originated from ‘Big’ John McCarthy, the original UFC referee and a pioneer of the sport. McCarthy presented the technique to athletic commissions, but they were hesitant to allow it due to its association with late-night karate demonstrations where individuals would smash bricks.

Rogan argued that the 12-6 elbow strike is not necessarily more powerful than angled elbow strikes. He explained that the angled elbow strike allows fighters to utilize their body weight and is a more natural movement. Although it is possible to train the 12-6 elbow strike to be equally powerful, Rogan believes that most people find the angled elbow strike to be more effective.

The Association of Boxing Commissions, in a recent report, stated that the ban on linear elbow strikes was implemented for the advancement of the sport. While the controversy surrounding the ban continues, it remains a significant topic of discussion within the MMA community.