Ultimate fighting, far from being the combative sport of no rules that one might imagine, and that informally existed in the past has now acquired a governing body, the UFC, and a set of rules. Ultimate fighting combatants employ a variety of styles whilst attempting to incapacitate their oponents. Whilst it originated in the US ultimate fighting is gaining popularity in Britain, where there is soon to be a championship.
The following are offences in Ultimate fighting:
- Butting with the head.
- Eye gouging of any kind.
- Biting.
- Hair pulling.
- Fish hooking.
- Groin attacks of any kind.
- Putting a finger into any orifice or into any cut or laceration on an opponent.
- Small joint manipulation.
- Striking to the spine or the back of the head.
- Striking downward using the point of the elbow.
- Throat strikes of any kind, including, without limitation, grabbing the trachea.
- Clawing, pinching or twisting the flesh.
- Grabbing the clavicle.
- Kicking the head of a grounded opponent.
- Kneeing the head of a grounded opponent.
- Stomping a grounded opponent.
- Kicking to the kidney with the heel.
- Spiking an opponent to the canvas on his head or neck.
- Throwing an opponent out of the ring or fenced area.
- Holding the shorts or gloves of an opponent.
- Spitting at an opponent.
- Engaging in an unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to an opponent.
- Holding the ropes or the fence.
- Using abusive language in the ring or fenced area.
- Attacking an opponent on or during the break.
- Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee.
- Attacking an opponent after the bell has sounded the end of the period of unarmed combat.
- Flagrantly disregarding the instructions of the referee.
- Timidity, including, without limitation, avoiding contact with an opponent, intentionally or consistently dropping the mouthpiece or faking an injury.
- Interference by the corner.
- Throwing in the towel during competition
There are several ways to win a bout, which consists of three five minute rounds.
There are five weight classes:
- Lightweight – over 145 lbs. to 155 lbs.
- Welterweight – over 155 lbs. to 170 lbs.
- Middleweight – over 170 lbs. to 185 lbs.
- Light Heavyweight – over 185 lbs. to 205 lbs.
- Heavyweight – over 205 lbs. to 265 lbs.
Sources: The Guardian
http://www.secondsout.com/