MMA rule changes take effect immediately for MMA pros, '12 to 6' remains prohibited for amateurs

Since 2 November 2024, two rule changes have been made to the Unified Rules of MMA. This is the rule set applied by large international organisations and it forms the basis for the competition rules in the Netherlands. The new rule changes are being adopted with immediate effect for MMA pros at Dutch events, as announced by the Nederlandse Vechtsportbond (NVB, the Dutch martial arts federation).

The rule changes concern ground fighting in MMA. The '12-to-6 elbow' ('twelve to six elbow') is no longer a prohibited technique. This had been a contested rule at the professional level of the sport for some time. Lifting the rule opens the way for fighters to use new techniques, for example from a defensive position during a takedown. For amateurs, this technique remains prohibited.

The second rule change alters the definition of a 'grounded opponent'. Whereas a fighter previously counted as a 'grounded opponent' when he or she had at least three body parts on the ground, a fighter now only counts as grounded when he or she touches the ground with a body part other than a hand or foot. Placing a hand on the mat is therefore no longer enough to be a grounded opponent. This new definition applies as of today to both pros and amateurs.

The rule changes are being implemented in the Netherlands with immediate effect, so that we are in line with international developments. All organisations that supply judges or officials for events have been informed. All participants in events have been or will be informed in good time as well. Official teams may, in consultation with promoters, adjust the unified rules if the change makes the sport safer, provided they communicate this clearly and in advance to the fighters and their coaches.