Examining The New Unified MMA Rules & PFL Allowing Elbows
Read Time:2 Minute, 52 Second
November was a significant month for MMA. Not just for the fights, but also for updates to the sport’s unified rules. Earlier this year, a vote was passed to revise the language surrounding two long-debated topics: The 12-to-6 elbow and the definition of a grounded fighter. These changes, which have fueled discussions within the fight community for years, officially took effect in November. With a month of implementation behind us, let’s examine the impact of these new unified rules on the sport.
Changes To The Unified Rules
The 12-to-6 elbow is no longer an illegal strike in MMA. The name ’12-to-6′ refers to the motion of the elbow following a straight downward trajectory, like the hands of a clock moving from 12 to 6. This strike was a long-standing subject of debate, primarily because similar strikes with slightly different angles were already legal. For example, an elbow delivered horizontally from 9 to 3 while fighters were on the ground was allowed. This was because the trajectory was considered horizontal rather than vertical.
The clock analogy remained fixed, regardless of a fighter’s position, which created inconsistency. It had been argued that slight adjustments to the angle make the strike legal. Noting that an 11-to-6 or even an 11:59-to-6 elbow was legal—just not a true 12-to-6. But that is hard for a referee to determine consistently. Since the rule change, we’ve already seen 12-to-6 elbows successfully utilized in UFC competition.
The other rule change addresses the definition of a grounded opponent. While the change in wording is subtle, its impact is significant. Under the updated rule, a fighter is considered grounded—and thus cannot be legally kneed or kicked in the head—only when any part of their body other than their hands or feet is in contact with the ground. The key distinction is the clarification regarding, ‘other than their hands or feet.’ Previously, a fighter could be deemed grounded simply by placing a hand on the mat, even while remaining upright. Fighters would often touch the ground intentionally with one hand. Which would then allow them to avoid legal strikes to the head, such as kicks or knees.
The updated rule eliminates this loophole, ensuring fighters cannot exploit the grounded opponent rule without actually being on the ground.
PFL’s Surprise Rule Change
The PFL made a surprising announcement just days before their championship fights, permitting the use of elbows during the event. Typically, the promotion prohibits elbows during the regular season to minimize the risk of cuts. Earlier this year, some Bellator fighters even joked about the PFL’s no-elbows rule during the Bellator vs. PFL card.
While the rule had been a topic of humor, many fans have hoped to see elbows permitted in the PFL. For at least one night, fans got their wish.
Elbows seemed to be allowed only for championship night. It remains unclear whether this rule change will carry over into the next season. Dakota Ditcheva, however, capitalized on the opportunity, effectively using the newly permitted technique to help secure her championship victory. That, along with the million dollar prize check.
What are your thoughts on all the rule changes in MMA this year? Let us know what you think by adding a comment below.
Happy
50 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
50 %
About Post Author
Average Rating