The MMA rulebook is getting a makeover. Recently, the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combat Sports (ABC) decided to spice things up. They’ve taken a long, hard look at two controversial MMA rules and thought it’s time to change.
First up on the chopping block is the infamous 12-6 elbow. This move has been the bane of many fighters’ existence. But now, it’s no longer off-limits. For those not in the know, a 12-6 elbow is thrown straight down. Imagine a clock face – that’s where the name comes from. It’s been considered more dangerous than other elbow strikes. However, many have argued this point for years. MMA fans might remember Jon Jones vs. Matt Hamill, a fight where Jones got disqualified for using 12-6 elbows. Interestingly, it’s his only loss in 29 fights.
But wait, there’s more! The ABC didn’t stop at elbows. They’ve also tweaked the “grounded opponent” rule. Previously, a fighter was considered grounded if their palm touched the mat. Fighters often touched the ground to avoid kicks or knees to the head. Now, the rule has been simplified. A fighter is grounded when any part of the body besides hands or feet touches the canvas.
These changes aim to make fights more dynamic and less confusing. But fight fans need to remember that these are just guidelines. Each state commission has to adopt these rules. The hope is that most U.S. state commissions will adopt these new rules. This would create more consistency across the sport.
Jon Jones Can Make His Record Spotless After Recent MMA Rule Changes
UFC heavyweight champion Jones might finally shed his lone loss. The Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports (ABC) has decided to remove the ban on the infamous ’12 to 6 elbow’ rule from the Unified MMA rules.
This rule change could significantly impact one fighter in particular: Jon Jones. ‘Bones’ has only one loss on his record, and it’s because of those pesky 12 to 6 elbows. Back in 2009, Jones was disqualified in a fight against Matt Hamill for using these now-legal strikes. Now, here’s where it gets interesting. According to MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, Jones might be able to appeal this loss.
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“Worth noting, Jon Jones can appeal his 2009 loss to Matt Hamill to get it overturned into a no contest (not a win), but it *might* be too late since that was almost 15 years ago,” Helwani stated in an X post.
Jones himself seemed pretty excited about the possibility. He took to Instagram, declaring, “Undefeated then, undefeated now.” It’s clear he’s ready to erase that blemish from his record. But it’s not a done deal yet. Helwani noted that it might be too late for Jones to appeal, given that the fight happened almost 15 years ago. All eyes will now be on Jon Jones. Will he successfully appeal his lone loss? Only time will tell.
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