Mixed Martial Arts is a combat sport wherein there’s a high risk of injuries. For that reason, we at RDX Sports have created this guide in order to enlighten you on potential MMA injuries and proactive safety measures. To learn more about MMA injuries, refer to our guide, and keep in mind that prevention is better than cure.
Key Takeaways
This guide will enlighten you regarding:
- Historical Perspective of MMA
- Top MMA Injuries
- Ways For Protection
Historical Perspective
There’s a long prevailing history of combat sports that existed way before the advent of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Some of these came with rulesets that would barely cater to severe injuries or even death. But with the popularity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) created by the Gracie Family, martial arts became popular around the world. Soon after that, UFC started with the concept of arranging fights between fighters from different combat backgrounds. For example, a boxer would be paired to fight against a Judo practitioner. This would make the fight seem more amusing to the fans.
Back then, the only rules set for protection included no eye gouging and no biting. Everything else was allowed during a fight. Due to a bigger threat, fighters would train extensively and get injured during the sparring sessions. Coaches from different disciplines would help these fighters develop skills as wrestlers, boxers, and sambo practitioners, altogether.
MMA Injuries
In the world of sports, MMA ranks to be one of the most fierce and injurious sports to ever exist. There is a list of potential injuries that take place both during sparring sessions and MMA fights. Broken bones, dislocation, concussion, sprains, bruises, cuts, strains, abrasions, joint trauma, and fracture are some of the common MMA injuries. While injuries specifically relating to the head, face, nose, and mouth take place while encountering punch strikes and kicks.
Some of these injuries are so severe that they leave a lifetime impact on the fighter. While some injuries backfire and ruin careers. So for that reason, coaches, as well as trainees, must wear protective gear at all times.
Not to forget, the recent fight between Yair Rodriguez and Brian Ortega came to a halt right after Ortega suffered a dislocated shoulder. This amongst other examples signifies the importance of knowing the frequent occurrence of injuries in both fights and sparring sessions. This will help fighters prepare well ahead of the game and correct their style of fighting during training sessions.
This pre-emptive approach will not only ensure safety but will also help fighters stay in the sport longer and hence be physically and mentally fit for any upcoming opportunity.
Ways For Protection
In the MMA world, the risk of injuries is inevitable. But various strategies can help avoid serious injuries. Fighters need to make sure that they show up for the fight 100{317a7769e272dec17b69bda26c6a5a4c5e6799efcd8a85f72cb552b76862c2b9} physically and mentally fit. For that purpose, they must use protective equipment for sparring and training while preparing for the fight.
In order to be able to fight in one piece, these protective measures must be taken. Let’s discuss the following equipment that can help you protect yourself while preparing for your big fight:
Mouthguards:
Mouthguards are essential both at the time of sparring as well as during the fight. These are designed to protect your tongue, teeth, gums, and cheeks from high-impact punches or kicks.
Groin Protectors:
Groin Protectors also called Abdo guards are used for the protection of the pelvic area. These are a must when you are in the octagon.
Hand Wraps, Forearm Guards, And Inner Gloves:
Very important both while training and during fights. Inner gloves and forearm guards are particularly designed for training sessions. Whereas, hand wraps are worn during MMA fights.
Knee Wraps, Shin Guards, And Ankle Sleeves:
Knee wraps provide compression and support for the knee. Whereas ankle braces are used for providing external support to limit movement of your ankle joint. whereas shin guards reduce the chance of suffering significant injuries. They offer adequate protection against strong impact forces.
Headgear And Chest Guards:
Headgear and chest guards are two of the most essential accessories required while sparring. A headgear protects your head from punches and high kicks. While chest guards are more commonly used by coaches who help athletes spar. While sparring, the coach wears a chest guard, while the athlete on the other hand can throw some punches at the trainer and improve his/her game.
Wrapping Up!
It’s said that prevention is better than cure! We at RDX agree with this statement because the same is true for the combat sports world. Athletes must prevent themselves from potential injuries as much as they can by the use of protective gear. We have a wide variety of protective gear available at our online store. Get yours now, fear nothing and start your training today!
