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UFC basics

Essential details of Ultimate Fighting Championship.

By JOHN C. COTEY
Published December 29, 2006

Fast Facts:

Ultimate Fighting Championship

BASICS

- Mixed martial arts is a combat sport in which competitors use interdisciplinary forms of fighting such as jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, boxing, kickboxing and wrestling in a supervised match.

- Matches take place in "The Octagon," an eight-sided canvas surrounded by a cage.

- Nonchampionship bouts are three rounds. Championship bouts are five. Rounds are five minutes with one minute in between.

- Competitors score by landing blows with their hands, feet, knees or elbows and grappling (submission, choke holds, throws or takedowns).

- Competitors may use only approved 4- to 6-ounce gloves designed to protect the hand but not affect punches. Approved shorts and kickboxing trunks are the only uniforms allowed.

WAYS TO WIN

- Submission

- Technical knockout (referee stops contest)

- Decision via scorecards

SOME FOULS

- Eye gouging

- Hair pulling

- Groin attacks

- Stomping a grounded opponent

- Throwing an opponent out of the ring or fenced area

WEIGHT CLASSES

- Lightweight: 145-155

- Welterweight: 155-170

- Middleweight: 170-185

- Light heavyweight: 185-205

- Heavyweight: 205-265

NEXT EVENT

Saturday's card at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas starts at 10 p.m. It is on pay-per-view and costs $39.95.

Source: ufc.com

[Last modified December 28, 2006, 23:17:43]