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What Fighting Styles Are In Mma

Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) may be two popular combat sports, but several differences separate them, turning them into two quite different combat sports. While Boxing has been around since ancient times, MMA only became popular within the last century.

Boxing uses thicker gloves, while the gloves worn by MMA fighters are much thinner. MMA rounds are longer, but there are fewer rounds than in Boxing. Boxing involves striking while standing up, while MMA involves kickboxing techniques, grappling, and strikes from either the arms or legs.

11 Differences Between Boxing and MMA

MMA, or mixed martial arts, is a combat sport where two opponents fight each other in a ring of an octagon form. The members of the MMA practice many martial arts that they have made their own style of fighting toward another, thus why a variety of tactics are indispensable for a fighter to know. A combatant would normally triumph through. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada, which is owned and operated by Endeavor Group Holdings along with Silver Lake Partners, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and MSD Capital via Zuffa, LLC. It is the largest MMA promotion company in the world and features some of the highest-level fighters in the sport on its roster.

Boxing and MMA are like night and day: they share some core similarities, but the nuances that define them make them very different upon deeper inspection. Let’s dive in to discover more differences.

A ground fighting system, Brazillian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), focuses on submitting your opponent through the use of chokes, joint locks, and other creative methods. It’s somewhat rare that a great self-defense art translates well to the rule based mixed martial arts system, but. While boxers can only strike with their fists, MMA fighters use wrestling moves as part of their fighting styles. MMA gloves are thinner so that fighters can grab their opponent quickly, or grab the ropes in self-defense. Boxing gloves are also thicker because they are used to.

1. Boxing is More Dangerous Than MMA.

Blood and broken bones are typically seen more in MMA fighting than in Boxing, making it appear that MMA is the more dangerous sport. However, Boxing injuries are less visible but can be more damaging over the long term. Severe concussions and upper body nerve injuries are more common in Boxing than in MMA. With that being said, permanent damage, no matter how many precautions are taken, can happens with both sports.

2. Boxers Have More Protective Gear.

The gloves used in Boxing are much thicker and more padded than the gloves used in MMA. While boxers can only strike with their fists, MMA fighters use wrestling moves as part of their fighting styles. MMA gloves are thinner so that fighters can grab their opponent quickly, or grab the ropes in self-defense. Boxing gloves are also thicker because they are used to defend their heads from damaging blows.

Boxers also wear special shoes that protect their ankles while in the ring. Usually, MMA fighters don’t use special shoes or other gear, because it would just get in the way of fighting.

3. Boxing Only Allows Punches Above the Belt.

In a Boxing ring, the fighting consists of punching and blocking above the belt. Boxing rules explicitly state that no other moves are allowed. When a boxer is down, the fight stops until he or she is back up again.

On the other hand, almost everything is legal in MMA, including wrestling and jiu-jitsu moves, kickBoxing, clinches, and grapples. If a fighter goes down, that doesn’t necessarily stop the fighting. As a result, it is more common to see blood on either fighter during an MMA match compared to Boxing matches.

4. MMA Rounds Last Longer.

Boxing rounds last three minutes each, with a minute of recovery time before the next round. While amateur bouts have three to six rounds, professional sessions have twelve rounds. Without counting breaks, a Boxing match will last 36 minutes unless an opponent is unable to continue.

MMArounds, however, last a maximum of five minutes each. A fight will typically have between three to five rounds, depending on the type of fight, as well as the organizer. Therefore, without considering the one-minute breaks, an MMA fight will last between 15 to 25 minutes.

5. MMA Focuses on All Fighting Situations.

Boxers train in gyms or clubs, with specialized gear, such as helmets, mouthguards, and sparring bags. The training focus for fighters is on spacing, timing, and reading their opponent, which are great for a stand-up sport. Boxers also train their hands and prepare for stand up situations only, and will work on their footwork and reaction speeds.

MMA fighters train for all types of fighting situations, including wrestling on the ground. So much that it’s often compared to street fighting in some levels.

Styles

6. Professionals Earn Different Amounts.

The pay scales for both combat sports are all over the place. However, if we compare some of the highest earners in each sport, Boxing will come out ahead by a considerable difference. For instance, former Boxing star, Floy Mayweather, has made about $1.7 billion (Yes! With a ‘B’) during his career. While Conor McGregor, who fought on some of the highest-selling UFC events, has earned about $250 million.

So, how much do the average boxers make per fight? On the low end, they can expect to earn in the low four digits per fight. At that level, many boxers only fight around 4-6 times per year, so their yearly salary is pretty low (when compared to the high earners).

When it comes to the MMA, a fighter pay depends on if they are in the UFC or not. An MMA fighter not in the UFC can expect to make much less while than someone that fights in the UFC. Also, for both combat sports, the pay depends on the endorsements and sponsorships

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7. When the Fight Ends.

The match ends in Boxing when an opponent is knocked out and unable to continue after the ten-count. Or, if they both last for the full twelve rounds, then the boxer who delivered the most punches (and gets the most points) wins the fight. MMA fights, however, end when the referee says it ends (even if the fighter might be able to continue). An MMA fighter can win by a knockout, a technical knockout, submission, or by total points.

8. Boxing Ring & The Cage.

Boxing happens in a square ring with ropes to prevent spectators from getting too close, keeping them inside the ring during the fight, or keeping the match in one place. On the other hand, MMA fights are held in a cage, which is necessary for wrestling and grappling during a match. The cage will either hurt or help them as they continue the fight.

9. They Offer Different Self-Defense Techniques.

Both Boxing and MMA skills can help in self-defense situations. But in a street fight, the MMA style trains a person for on the ground fighting, while Boxing is much more useful in a stand-up fight. If the fight gets worse or gets to the ground, a person will need to rely on MMA skills.

10. MMA Hits Might Come from Any Angle.

Where and how a fighter is allowed to hit is entirely different in Boxing or MMA fights. While in Boxing, strikes (punches) are limited to the upper body; in MMA, hits might come from most parts of the body.

MMA fighters need to be constantly aware of where the next attack will come from. On the contrary, Boxers are only tuned into attacks at the upper level and are not prepared for lower-level attacks. However, not needing to prepare for lower-level attacks means that a boxer can fine-tune their reaction speed to any blows at the upper body level.

11. Boxing Is More Ingrained in Popular Culture

For instance, people who grew up with “Rocky” and other Boxing movies have more connection with Boxing than with MMA fighting. Because MMA is still relatively new compared to Boxing, MMA has yet to be cemented in popular culture.

MMA is not a casual fan sport. People either love it or hate it, and the fighters play to the crowd, hoping to engage the fans. MMA fans may like Boxing because of it being in popular culture for many years. They often are drawn in due to the aggressiveness of the sport. For MMA fans, the draw is the cage fighting and hyper-aggressive style.

Conclusion

While Boxing has a long history, MMA fighting is here to stay – love it or hate it. Comparing Boxing to MMA is much like comparing oranges to cucumbers. They are both technically produce, but are very different in terms of taste, texture, color, and growing conditions.

Boxing is quite different from MMA. They are both combat sports, but everything from the gear used to the length of the rounds couldn’t be further apart. Fans of both sports appreciate each for their unique contribution to combat sports.

Getting involved in MMA can be very exciting since you’ll be able to explore a variety of fighting styles. Nevertheless, you’re only going to have time to focus on a handful of them so you’ll want to choose wisely. Which styles are the most effective in combat situations? Which styles are going to provide you with the most benefits and the fewest negatives?

10 Best MMA fighting styles so you can find the ones that suit your needs

1. Boxing

Ultimately, boxing is one of the oldest forms of martial arts. Some may refer to this as western boxing. Nevertheless, western boxing is the technique comprising of punches. This art will require you to learn a handful of punches including jabs, crosses, hooks, and uppercuts.

If you’ve managed to master the art of boxing, you will be able to avoid punches while delivering hard blows of your own. While this martial art is very effective on the feet, you’re going to be left vulnerable on the ground.

Advantages

  • You’ll be able to hold your own on the feet
  • You can mix up your punches to catch your opponent off guard
  • You’ll gain addition power
  • Your cardio will improve

Disadvantages

  • You’re not going to be good on the ground

Is It For Me?

At the end of the day, boxing is one of the most exciting combat sports on the planet. However, you need to make sure it is suitable for your MMA venture. Do you like punching people in the face? Do you want to learn how to slip punches and deliver painful counter blows? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, boxing is for you. It is one of the best MMA fighting styles for brawlers. If you want to stand up and fight, you’ll want to learn how to box.

The only downside is that you’re going tofind yourself in a world of hurt once the fight hits the mat. With that beingsaid, it is wise to learn a combination of styles so you’ll be ready to protectyourself no matter where the fight goes.

2. Submission Wrestling

Submission wrestling is one of the most effective styles for mixed martial arts. While submission wrestling is similar to collegiate wresting, it is much different. The submission wrestler will have a clear advantage over its opponent so they’ll be able to lock onto submissions while taking advantage of their wrestling prowess. This may enable them to end the match quickly so they don’t have to worry about taking any punishment. However, the wrestler will need to get the fight to the mat as soon as possible.

Advantages

  • You can get the fight to the mat very quickly
  • You’ll be able to control your opponent while you catch your breath
  • Nullifying your opponent will be easy
  • You can pull off submissions to end the fight quicker

Disadvantages

  • Your stand-up skills will be limited
  • Your takedowns might not be as good as a collegiate wrestler

Is It For Me?

Being a wrestler is tough since you’ll haveto get the fight to the ground first. When you’re dealing with a skilledopponent with good takedown defense, you may have to take a few shots first.With this in mind, submission wrestling is only suitable for tough individuals.Make sure you can take a few shots without quitting before agreeing to selectthis style as your primary MMA fighting style.

3. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

There is nothing more exciting or beautiful than watched a BJJ artist submit an opponent. They’ll quickly work their opponent to the mat before looking for a submission. Whether they’re going for an arm, leg, or neck, you can guarantee that it is going to be quick and painful. BJJ practitioners are one of a kind. They’ll be able to secure unique submissions that others cannot. When everything goes your way, you’ll be able to take your opponent down and secure a submission win without getting hit in the face.

However, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not good onthe feet. If you cannot get the right to the ground, you’re going to findyourself in a lot of trouble.

Advantages

  • You’ll be able to submit your opponents more often than not
  • You can nullify the fight on the ground
  • In perfect situations, you’ll be able to win without getting hit or hitting your opponent
StylesStyles

Disadvantages

  • Your stand-up game will suffer
  • You may have trouble getting your opponent to the ground

Is It For Me?

BJJ is amazing and it can be used in thereal world. If you run into a dangerous individual, you can take them to theground and hold them there using your BJJ skills. Nevertheless, MMA fightersare professionals. They’ve discovered ways to counter BJJ fighters. Therefore,you may find it difficult to get your opponent to the ground. If this happens,you’ll be out of your element and that can be frightening. Adding BJJ to yourarsenal is a good idea. However, you should not rely solely on this martial artsince it is going to leave you vulnerable on the feet.

4. Kickboxing

Kickboxing is similar to boxing but there are notable differences. With kickboxing, you’re going to be adding your elbows, knees, and shins to the equation. You’ll also develop a unique stance so you can defend from these attacks. Kickboxers have deadly kicks but their punches may lack power. Nevertheless, any kickboxer will be able to do exceptionally well in combat sports. Their success will depend on the type and skill of opponent they’re fighting. If they’re fighting a newbie with limited wrestling skills, they’ll thrive.

If they’re fighting a skilled wrestler, thekickboxer may find himself on the ground without a chance of getting up.Therefore, it is an excellent art to train but it might not be suitable foreveryone.

Advantages

  • You’ll have more tools to work with
  • You can use kicks to keep your opponent away
  • You might be able to KO your opponent right away
  • You can mix it up and catch your opponent off guard

Disadvantages

  • Your ground game is limited
  • If your opponent catches your kick, you’re headed for the ground

Is It For Me?

Kickboxing is a great addition for anymixed martial artist. Nevertheless, it is limited on its own. You’re going tohave a tough time fighting off of the mat. You may end up finding herself pinnedto the mat for 4 of the 5 minutes. Therefore, it is not suitable for everyone.If you cannot stand the thought of being put into a situation where you’rehopeless, you’ll want to learn a different martial art. If you’re interested inknocking people out, kickboxing will be a good option for you.

5. Judo

Judo has grown in popularity and it is easy to see why. The founder of the combat art also practiced jiu jitsu. So, it has elements of BJJ added into the equation. Nevertheless, judo was designed for people small in stature. This means that you can toss people around even if you’re slightly smaller than them. Over the years, Judo has established itself as one of the most dominant martial arts.

It was added to the Olympics in 1964. With that being said, you can see that Judo is legit. It can be a great martial art for anyone who wants to get the fight to the canvas.

Advantages

  • It works great for smaller fighters
  • You can toss around bigger opponents
  • You’ll be able to get the fight to the ground quickly
  • There are several submissions to enjoy

Disadvantages

  • Your options for ending the fight as limited
  • You’re going to be a duck out of water on the feet

Is It For Me?

Judo is not suitable for everyone. Ifyou’re a bigger guy who can toss people around, you may want to go with BJJsince it’ll give more options to end the fight much sooner. Judo is suitablefor smaller fighters who want to nullify their opponent on the ground asquickly as possible. You can also use Judo in the real world. Whether you needto stop an attacker or prevent a thief from fleeing the scene, Judo will do thetrick. Just remember that you’re going to have a tough time defending yourselfon the feet. You’ll need to get the fight to the mat as quickly as possible.

6. Greco-Roman Wrestling

When it comes down to it, Greco-Roman Wrestling is one of the most effective forms of wrestling. It has been used in the Olympic Games since 1896. The wrestling style has been featured in every summer Olympics since 1904. When compared to freestyle wrestling, you will see that there is one minor difference. When you’re involved in a Greco-Roman Wrestling competition, you will not be able to grab your opponent below the waist. This makes things much tougher and places more emphasis on throws. You won’t be able to trip your opponent.

One of the most popular Greco-Romanwrestlers of all time is Randy Couture. He excelled in MMA and you’ll be ableto do the same with this style.

Advantages

  • You’ll learn throws that enable you to get the fight to the ground quickly
  • You will get very strong
  • You can learn a lot about fighting in the clinch
  • You’ll learn how to use underhooks and that will make a huge difference in MMA

Disadvantages

  • Your striking ability will not be impressive
  • You’ll need to use the cage or mat to find success

Is It For Me?

Greco-Roman Wrestling has been used by someof the world’s top MMA fighters including Randy Couture, Matt Lindland, and DanHenderson. There is a good chance you’ve heard of these individuals. If youlike and want to emulate Couture’s fighting style, you’ll want to learnGreco-Roman wrestling. It is a good choice since you’ll be able to hold youropponent against the cage or ground. You’ll be able to slam your opponent tothe ground and immediately take control of the situation. You’ll be able topunish your opponent in the clinch too. Greco-Roman wrestlers have a greatchance of excelling in MMA.

7. Sambo

It is rare to see someone use Sambo in MMA. Nevertheless, it is one of the most effective martial arts for combat sports. With this skill, you’ll learn how to defend yourself. Sambo stands for “self-defense without weapons”. It was developed by the Russian SFSR in the Soviet Union and has been around since the 1920s. There are several big name MMA fighters who practiced Sambo including Fedor and Andrei Arlovski. The latter didn’t use it very much but Fedor did. Current UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, practices Sambo as well.

The only downside to Sambo is the fact that many strikes have been outlawed. While Sambo allowed soccer kicks, groin strikes, and headbutts, MMA does not. Nevertheless, Sambo is an effective technique that will prove to be great for any MMA fighter.

Advantages

  • You’ll be able to get your opponent down quickly
  • You can use a range of strikes to punish your opponent
  • You’ll also be able to submit your opponent at will

Disadvantages

  • Your opponent may have an advantage on the feet

Is It For Me?

If you’re a big fan of the Russianfighters, you may like Sambo. It is similar to wrestling but it takes things toa new level. Sambo is a little more violent making it good for street fighters.Just remember that you won’t be able to soccer kicks, headbutts, and groinstrikes in MMA. You can use them in combat sambo but you’ll have to remove themfrom your arsenal before being involved in an MMA contest. Either way, Sambo isa good option for many people. If you like wrestling but want somethingdifferent, you should give it a try.

8. Shoot Wrestling

Next, you have shoot wrestling. This style of wrestling combines aspects of catch wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle wrestling, Muay Thai, and so much more. Shoot wrestling attempts to rely on more realistic moves. When you learn shoot wrestling, you’re going to experience full contact moves. This will increase the excitement for the fan while ensuring that you’re able to control your opponent. Shoot wrestling has become very popular. It was trained at the Lion’s Den and the Shamrock Martial Arts Academy.

Bas Rutten worked with Masakatsu Funaki whois a legendary shoot wrestler. This technique can be very effective in MMA aslong as it is used properly. Some forms of shoot wrestling place more emphasison submissions than others. Therefore, you’ll need to find a trainer who isoffering what you’re after.

Advantages

  • You’ll be able to combine various wrestling disciplines
  • You can submit your opponent
  • Getting the fight to the ground won’t be tough
  • You can expand on this form of wrestling to make it more effective

Disadvantages

  • Standing and banging is not a good idea
  • You may gas out early on

Is It For Me?

Ultimately, shoot wrestling is not suitablefor everyone. It can be tough and you struggle at first. After all, you’relearning various techniques from many different wrestling disciplines.Nevertheless, it’ll pay off in the long run. With shoot wrestling, you canprevent your opponent from hurting you. You’ll also be able to score points andwin. Remember that your fight might be considered boring. Therefore, this styleof wrestling is not for everyone.

What Fighting Styles Are In Mma

9. Catch Wrestling

Wrestling is one of the best techniques for winning an MMA fight. However, you need to make sure that you’re using the right style. Catch wrestling will prove to be very beneficial. This style of wrestling combines wrestling and jiu-jitsu. Therefore, it is very effective for taking the opponent to the ground and submitting them rapidly. This type of wrestling has been around since the late 1800s but it is becoming more popular in MMA. Many former UFC Champions relied on this style to achieve their dreams. For instance, Frank Shamrock and Josh Barnett implemented catch wrestling techniques into their fighting styles.

Also, Kazushi Sakuraba was a well-knowncatch wrestler and he managed to dominate the Gracies. Catch wrestling is greatbut it does have some limitations.

Advantages

  • You can take your opponent down
  • You’ll learn how to submit your opponent
  • It has been proven successful by Frank Shamrock, Sakuraba, and Josh Barnett

Disadvantages

  • You have to take your opponent down
  • You may get hit in the face too much

Is It For Me?

Catch wrestling is suitable for almosteveryone. It doesn’t take long to learn the techniques but it’ll take a longtime to master them. Nevertheless, you can begin finding success in MMAimmediately. If you get good at catch wrestling, you’ll be able to take downthe top strikers and nullify their strengths. If this sounds exciting to you,it is a good idea to learn more about catch wrestling.

10. Freestyle Wrestling

Freestyle wrestling is easily one of the best wrestling styles for MMA. As a freestyle wrestler, your options will be plentiful. You’ll be able to grab your opponent anywhere so you can secure the takedown. For instance, you’ll be able to shoot in for single and double legs. This ensures that you’ll have a far better chance of getting the right to the mat. Even if your stand-up skills are lacking, your freestyle wrestling prowess will ensure success.

Tito Ortiz, Mark Coleman, and KevinRandleman have used freestyle wrestling to secure UFC Championships. There is agood chance that freestyle wrestlers will continue to dominate the sport.Others cannot find a way to get back up allowing the wrestler to nullify thefight and score points. You’ll also find ways to punish your opponent from thetop position.

Advantages

  • You’ll use double leg takedowns
  • You can score points on the ground
  • Your opponent won’t be able to get back up
  • You won’t have to worry about getting hit too much

Disadvantages

  • If you can’t get them down, you’re in trouble

Is It For Me?

Ultimately, freestyle wrestling is one ofthe best martial arts for any MMA fighter. It’ll enable you to control thefight at all times. If you’re getting hit in the face too much, you can stopthat by securing a takedown. If you’re getting tired, you can snag a takedownand recover. Freestyle wrestling is the most effective martial art since nobodyhas found a way to overcome its strengthens. Just remember that you shouldn’tstop here. Once you’ve learned how to freestyle wrestle, you should add otherskills to your arsenal. Do that and you can become an unstoppable MMA fighter.

FAQs

How Many Martial Arts Are There In MMA?

At the end of the day, there are tons ofmartial arts in MMA. Simultaneously, you have to understand that mixed martialarts has evolved over the years. In the past, it was common for fighters topractice only one martial art. This allowed wrestlers to test their skillsagainst boxers. Then, submission fighters were able to do the same. Today, mostfighters are going to combine various disciplines to get the desired results.With that being said, there are hundreds of martial arts used in MMA andthey’re growing.

Best Mma Style

What Is The Most Deadly Martial Art?

Combat Jujitus is believed to be one of the most deadly martial arts in the world. This style is utilized by the United States Special Forces and it is believed to be the deadliest known to man. Some others that may rank high on the list include Krav Maga, Sambo, Muay Thai, and Silat.

What Fighting Styles Are Not Allowed InUFC?

What Fighting Styles Are In Mma Knockouts

Ultimately, most fighting styles areallowed in the UFC. However, that fighting style will need to conform to therules and regulations of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. However, Aikido isnot allowed. This is the case because this style uses illegal finger locks.