Cage Fighting/Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Fouls

MMA events are no longer totally "no holds barred." Find out what constitues a foul
that will earn a fighter a warning or even a disqualification.

Although cage fighting/MMA is popular for its unlimited choice of methods, some acts are so brutal that they are banned. Under the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, which are used at most cage fighting/MMA events, the following are fouls. When a foul is committed, the fighter is given a warning. After three fouls, he is disqualified and declared the loser. In addition, any injury to the receiving fighter that prevents him from continuing stops the fight and the fighter who committed the act is disqualified.

Illegal Cage Fighting (MMA) Techniques, a.k.a. Fouls

• Gouging, which is defined as putting a finger into any orifice or any cut or laceration of an opponent.
• Striking downward with the elbow (other elbow strikes are allowed)
• Clawing, pinching, or twisting the flesh.
• Kneeing or kicking the head of a grounded opponent.
• Stomping a grounded opponent.
• Spiking an opponent to the mat on his head or neck (also known as a piledriver)
• Holding the shorts or gloves of an opponent.
• Spitting at an opponent.
• Engaging in an unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to an opponent.
• Using abusive language in the ring or fenced area.
• Attacking an opponent on or during the break.
• Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee.
• Attacking an opponent after the bell has sounded the end of the period of unarmed combat.
• Flagrantly disregarding the instructions of the referee.
• Timidity, including, without limitation, avoiding contact with an opponent, intentionally or consistently dropping the mouthpiece or faking an injury.
• Interference by the corner.