The Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports recently made a significant decision to remove the ban on “12-6 elbows” in the sport of mixed martial arts, effective November 1st. This rule change has been a topic of debate for quite some time, as it is one of the most unpopular rules in the sport. The 12-6 elbow strike involves a straight up, straight down motion targeting a grounded opponent. This rule has been criticized for giving referees a lot of discretion in the heat of the moment, as well as raising questions about the safety of fighters.
Although the 12-6 rule has not been invoked frequently in MMA, it is connected to one of the most controversial losses in the sport’s history. In 2009, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones suffered his only defeat against Matt Hamill due to illegal elbow strikes. Jones was dominating the fight when he landed several 12-6 elbows from full mount. Referee Steve Mazzagatti deemed these strikes illegal and stopped the bout, leading to Jones’ disqualification. Despite Jones’ appeal to overturn the decision, he was unsuccessful. The UFC has even attempted to change the outcome of the fight, but to no avail.
Following the ABC’s decision to remove the ban on 12-6 elbows, Jon Jones took to social media to express his thoughts. Jones, who still boasts an impressive record of 27-1, made it clear that he believes the loss to Matt Hamill should be erased from the history books. His message to UFC President Dana White signifies his desire to correct what he sees as a tainted result in his career. Additionally, the ABC also redefined what constitutes a “grounded opponent” in MMA, specifying that any part of the body other than hands or feet must be touching the canvas.
The removal of the ban on 12-6 elbows in mixed martial arts signifies a shift in the sport’s regulations and a step towards addressing controversial rules. It opens up new possibilities for fighters to utilize this technique while also emphasizing the importance of fighter safety. The redefinition of a grounded opponent aims to provide clarity and consistency in officiating during fights. As the sport of MMA continues to evolve, rule changes like these play a vital role in shaping its future.
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