MMA Glossary
Your A-Z guide to MMA terminology — 124 terms and counting
Term of the Day
Axe kick
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition An axe kick is a striking technique in which a fighter raises one leg overhead with the knee close to straight, then drives the heel...
Read full definition →#
4 terms
1-2 Combination
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The 1-2 combination is a two-punch sequence: a jab thrown with the lead hand followed...
→
1-2-3 Combination
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The 1-2-3 in MMA is a three-punch combination of a jab, a cross, and a...
→
10-Point Must System
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The 10-point must system is the round-by-round scoring method used in MMA, where the judge...
→
12-6 Elbow
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A 12-6 elbow is a downward elbow strike thrown in a straight vertical line, with...
→
A
6 terms
Americana
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The Americana is a shoulder lock applied by bending an opponent’s arm at a 90-degree...
→
Anaconda Choke
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The anaconda choke is a blood choke applied from a front headlock, in which the...
→
Ankle Lock
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition An ankle lock is a submission hold that attacks the ankle joint and Achilles tendon...
→
Arm Triangle Choke
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The arm triangle choke is a blood choke in MMA that traps the opponent’s own...
→
Armbar
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition An armbar is a submission hold that hyperextends the elbow joint by trapping an opponent's...
→
Axe kick
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition An axe kick is a striking technique in which a fighter raises one leg overhead...
→
B
13 terms
Back Control
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Back control is a grappling position where one fighter controls their opponent from behind, using...
→
Backfist
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A backfist is a strike that lands with the back of the knuckles rather than...
→
Block
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A block in MMA is a defensive technique that uses a limb, usually a forearm,...
→
Bob and Weave
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Bob and weave is a defensive head-movement technique in which a fighter bends at the...
→
Body Jab
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A body jab is a straight lead-hand punch aimed at an opponent's midsection, usually the...
→
Body Kick
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A body kick in MMA is a strike thrown with the leg at an opponent's...
→
Body Shot
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A body shot is any punch, kick, knee, or elbow strike directed at an opponent’s...
→
Body-Head Combination
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A body-head combination is a striking sequence in MMA where a fighter alternates strikes between...
→
Bolo Punch
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A bolo punch is an unorthodox looping uppercut thrown with a wide circular wind-up, blending...
→
Boxing
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Boxing in MMA is the application of boxing techniques, including punches, footwork, and defensive head...
→
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art focused on ground fighting and submission holds...
→
Butterfly Guard
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The butterfly guard is a seated open guard position in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA where...
→
Buzzer Beater KO
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A buzzer beater KO in MMA is a knockout landed in the final seconds of...
→
C
15 terms
Cage
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition An MMA cage is a fenced enclosure, usually octagonal, that holds the fighters inside the...
→
Cage Cutting
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Cage cutting in MMA is the use of footwork and angles to trap an opponent...
→
Calf Kick
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A calf kick is a low round kick that targets the outside of an opponent's...
→
Capoeira Kick
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A capoeira kick is a strike from the Brazilian martial art of capoeira, typically a...
→
Cartwheel Kick
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A cartwheel kick is an acrobatic MMA strike in which a fighter throws their body...
→
Catch Wrestling
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Catch wrestling is a grappling style that combines takedowns, pins, and submission holds like joint...
→
Catching Kicks
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Catching kicks in MMA is the act of trapping an opponent’s kick with the arms...
→
Cauliflower Ear
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Cauliflower ear is a permanent deformity of the outer ear caused by blunt trauma or...
→
Check Hook
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A check hook is a defensive counter-punch in boxing and MMA, thrown by combining a...
→
Clinch
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A clinch in MMA is a close-range standing grapple where two fighters grip each other’s...
→
Conditioning
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition MMA conditioning is the physical preparation that develops the energy systems, endurance, and work capacity...
→
Cornerman
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A cornerman in MMA is a coach, trainer, or assistant who supports a fighter from...
→
Counterstriking
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Counterstriking in MMA is a reactive striking approach in which a fighter waits for the...
→
Cross
Quick Definition A cross is a powerful straight punch thrown with the rear hand in MMA. It travels in a...
→
Cutman
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A cutman is a corner specialist who treats facial cuts, swelling, and nosebleeds on a...
→
D
4 terms
D'Arce Choke
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The d'arce choke is a no-gi arm-triangle submission in which the attacker threads one arm...
→
Disqualification
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A disqualification (DQ) in MMA is when a fighter loses a bout because they commit...
→
Double Leg Takedown
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A double leg takedown is a grappling technique where a fighter grabs both of an...
→
Drilling
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Drilling in MMA is the repetitive, cooperative practice of techniques and sequences with a training...
→
E
2 termsF
7 terms
Fight Camp
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A fight camp in MMA is the focused training period a fighter goes through before...
→
Fight Card
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A fight card in MMA is the complete lineup of fights scheduled for a single...
→
Fight IQ
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Fight IQ is a fighter's ability to make smart, strategic decisions during a fight by...
→
Flying Knee
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A flying knee is a knee strike delivered while airborne, where the attacker leaps toward...
→
Footwork
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Footwork in MMA is the use of foot positioning, stepping, and pivoting to control distance,...
→
Front kick
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A front kick is a straight-line strike delivered by driving the foot forward into the...
→
Full Guard
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Full guard is a ground grappling position where the bottom fighter wraps both legs around...
→
G
7 terms
Gassed / Cardio
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Gassed is an MMA slang term for a fighter who has become noticeably exhausted during...
→
Gi vs No-Gi
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, gi and no-gi are the two main training formats. Gi practitioners wear...
→
GOAT
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition GOAT in MMA stands for Greatest Of All Time. It refers to the fighter judged...
→
Gogoplata
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A gogoplata is a rare submission in which the attacker, from the bottom of the...
→
Ground and Pound
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Ground and pound is an MMA strategy where a fighter takes their opponent to the...
→
Guard
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The guard is a ground position in MMA where one fighter lies on their back...
→
Guillotine Choke
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A guillotine choke is a front-facing submission hold where one fighter wraps an arm around...
→
H
4 terms
Half Guard
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Half guard is a ground grappling position in MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where the bottom...
→
Hand Wraps
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Hand wraps in MMA are long strips of cloth, gauze, or elasticised fabric that fighters...
→
Heel Hook
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A heel hook is a twisting leg-lock submission used in MMA and grappling that traps...
→
Hook
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A hook is a short-range punch that arcs horizontally toward the side of an opponent’s...
→
J
2 termsK
5 terms
Karate
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Karate in MMA refers to the use of karate-derived striking and footwork inside the cage,...
→
Kickboxing
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Kickboxing is a stand-up striking style that combines punches and kicks. In MMA, it refers...
→
Kimura
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A kimura lock is a figure-four shoulder submission that bends an opponent’s arm behind their...
→
Kneebar
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A kneebar is a leg-lock submission that hyperextends the knee joint by trapping an opponent’s...
→
KO
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A KO (knockout) in MMA is a legal strike or combination of strikes that leaves...
→
M
6 terms
Main Event
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A UFC main event is the headlining fight on a card. It is the final...
→
Majority Decision
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A majority decision in MMA is a judges’ verdict in which two of the three...
→
MMA Gloves
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition MMA gloves are small, open-fingered gloves with 4 to 6 ounces of padding that fighters...
→
Mount
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The mount position is a dominant ground position in MMA where one fighter sits on...
→
Mouthguard
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A mouthguard is a soft, shock-absorbing device worn over the upper teeth that protects an...
→
Muay Thai
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Muay Thai is a stand-up combat sport from Thailand that uses eight points of striking...
→
N
3 terms
Neck Crank
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A neck crank is a grappling submission that forces the neck past its normal range...
→
No Contest
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A no contest (NC) in MMA is a fight result declared when a bout ends...
→
North-South Position
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The north-south position is a dominant ground control pin used in MMA, BJJ, and judo....
→
O
3 terms
Octagon
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The Octagon is the eight-sided fenced cage where every UFC bout takes place. It has...
→
Overhand
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition An overhand is a looping power punch that arcs downward over the opponent's guard, targeting...
→
Overhook / Whizzer
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition An overhook is a clinch hold in MMA where a fighter wraps their arm over...
→
P
3 terms
Pad Work / Mitt Work
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Pad work is a striking drill in which a coach or training partner holds protective...
→
Pay-Per-View (PPV)
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition In UFC, PPV (pay-per-view) is the model where fans paid a one-time fee, around $79.99...
→
Pressure Fighting
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A pressure fighter in MMA is a fighter who walks the opponent down with constant...
→
R
5 terms
Range Management
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Range management in MMA is the deliberate control of the distance between two fighters, determining...
→
Rear Naked Choke
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The rear naked choke (RNC) is a blood choke applied from behind an opponent by...
→
Ring Rust
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Ring rust is the temporary loss of sharpness, timing, and reflexes a fighter shows after...
→
Rolling
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Rolling is the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu term for live sparring with a fully resisting training partner....
→
Roundhouse Kick
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A roundhouse kick is a circular strike where the fighter pivots on the base foot...
→
S
14 terms
Sambo
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Sambo is a Russian hybrid martial art that blends wrestling, judo, and submission grappling, developed...
→
Shadowboxing
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Shadowboxing is a solo training drill where a fighter throws strikes, moves, and defends against...
→
Shin Guards
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition In MMA, shin guards are padded protective gear worn over the shin and instep to...
→
Side Control
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Side control is a dominant ground position in MMA and grappling where the top fighter...
→
Single Leg Takedown
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A single leg takedown is a grappling technique where a fighter grabs one of their...
→
Southpaw vs Orthodox
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The southpaw advantage in MMA is the tactical edge a left-handed fighter gains from competing...
→
Sparring
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Sparring in MMA is controlled practice fighting between two training partners, where the goal is...
→
Spinning Back Fist
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A spinning back fist is a strike in MMA where a fighter pivots on the...
→
Split Decision
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A split decision in MMA is a judging outcome where two of the three cage-side...
→
Sprawl
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A sprawl is a defensive technique in MMA and wrestling used to stop single-leg and...
→
Stance (Orthodox vs Southpaw)
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Orthodox is the MMA stance with the left foot and left hand forward and the...
→
Submission
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A submission in MMA is a method of victory where one fighter forces their opponent...
→
Superman Punch
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A superman punch is a striking technique where a fighter fakes a rear-leg kick, snaps...
→
Sweep
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A sweep in MMA refers to a technique that either reverses a ground position, moving...
→
T
8 terms
Takedown
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A takedown is a grappling technique where one fighter off-balances an opponent and brings them...
→
Takedown Defence
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Takedown defense is the skill a fighter uses to stop opponents from grounding the fight...
→
Tap Out
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A tap out is an MMA fighter's signal of surrender during a fight, given by...
→
Technical Decision
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A technical decision in MMA is a fight result where the judges’ scorecards decide the...
→
Teep Kick
What Is a Teep Kick in MMA? Definition & Meaning Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A teep is a pushing...
→
Title Fight
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A title fight in MMA is a championship bout in which a promotion's belt is...
→
TKO
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A TKO, or technical knockout, is a fight-ending stoppage called when a fighter cannot safely...
→
Triangle Choke
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A triangle choke is a submission hold where the attacker wraps their legs around an...
→
U
5 terms
Unanimous Decision
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A unanimous decision in MMA is a fight result in which all three judges score...
→
Undercard
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition In MMA, the undercard is the group of preliminary fights that take place before the...
→
Underhook
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition An underhook is a clinch hold in grappling where a fighter places their arm underneath...
→
Unified Rules of MMA
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The Unified Rules of MMA are the standardized ruleset that governs professional mixed martial arts...
→
Uppercut
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition An uppercut is a close-range punch that travels vertically upward, targeting the opponent’s chin or...
→
W
5 terms
Walkout
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A UFC walkout is the brief ceremonial entrance a fighter makes from the backstage tunnel...
→
Weigh-In
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A weigh-in in MMA is the official check that confirms each fighter is at the...
→
Weight Class
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition MMA weight classes are divisions that group fighters by body weight, so bouts happen between...
→
Weight Cut
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A weight cut is the process MMA fighters use to rapidly lose body weight, mostly...
→
Wrestling
Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Wrestling in MMA refers to the use of grappling-based techniques like takedowns, clinch control, and...
→
