Mixed martial arts is constantly evolving as a sport and the rules have not necessarily done the same. Until this week.
On Tuesday, the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) general body approved a package of new rules recommended by the ABC's MMA rules and regulations committee and medical committee. Those rules included clearer language for scoring criteria, a revised definition of a grounded fighter and a foul to address eye pokes.
The six amendments are the most changes to MMA's Unified Rules since they were penned in 2001. They will go into effect beginning Jan. 1, 2017.