MMA Utrecht

Background The vast majority of fighters have a background in Thai or kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Greco-Roman wrestling. These styles have proven most effective. Karatekas or other practitioners of "traditional" fighting styles tend to be less successful because of their (often) too one-sided way of fighting. Boxers also tend to be unsuccessful because they lack a varied repertoire. In addition, the typical defense against a punch (diving away with the head) provides an excellent position to receive a high kick. The major difference from "mainstream" martial arts is that much is permitted, from punching and kicking techniques, elbow and knee techniques, to clamping and strangulation techniques. As in boxing, among others, distinctions are made based on different weight categories and on competition experience (class N, C, B, A). A referee, doctor and, of course, trainers from both camps oversee the smooth running of the match. Although the fighters often come out of the fight battered, there are rarely if ever serious injuries because the fighters are in top condition and often possess great resilience. Matches usually last three rounds (ranging from three to 10 minutes each) and are not infrequently decided by a quick knockout or tap-out. The vast majority of fighters have a background in Thai or kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Greco-Roman wrestling. These styles have proven most effective. Karatekas or other practitioners of "traditional" fighting styles tend to be less successful because of their (often) too one-sided way of fighting. Boxers also tend to be unsuccessful because they lack a varied repertoire. In addition, the typical defense against a punch (diving away with the head) provides an excellent position to receive a high kick. The major difference from "mainstream" martial arts is that much is permitted, from punching and kicking techniques, elbow and knee techniques, to clamping and strangulation techniques. As in boxing, among others, distinctions are made based on different weight categories and on competition experience (class N, C, B, A). A referee, doctor and trainers oversee the proper conduct of the match. Although the fighters often come out of the fight battered, there are rarely, if ever, serious injuries because the fighters are in top condition and often possess great resilience. Matches usually last three rounds (ranging from three to ten minutes each) and are not infrequently decided by a quick knockout or tap-out.