IDO MOVEMENT FOR CULTURE

Background. Submissions due to joint locks and strangleholds accounted for many stoppages in the early days of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Since then, the adoption of unified weight classes, and rule changes have considerably impacted the sport. There is a need to update the database of the incidence of submission outcomes in modern MMA.
Problem and Aim. Assess ratios of match-ending by submission as well as to identify the most frequently-used submission techniques among different weight and gender categories in MMA.
Methods. A total of 1903 fights (1728 male and 175 female) in 167 events from 2014 to 2017 were assessed. Submissions were further investigated to identify the specific technique used to end a fight.
Results. Submissions accounted for the ending in 17.3% of male and 21.1% of female modern MMA combats, respectively. As the weight class became lighter, the chance of a stoppage due to submission is greater (p<0.05). The more frequent combat-ending techniques were based on strangleholds, mainly rear and front chokes. The elbow was the most targeted joint for all weight classes, except the male heavyweight. The shoulder was the second most attacked joint, whereas the knee and the ankle were reported in a relatively small number.
Conclusion. This updated database on fight outcomes should be considered for MMA trainers, coaches and athletes when programming specific training sessions aiming to mimic combat patterns.