Mixed Martial Arts Competitors Research Articles

Heart Rate, Oxygen Uptake and Anaerobic Thresholds During a Maximal Treadmill Test with World Class Mixed Martial Arts Fighters

Measuring heart rate responses during a competitive mixed martial arts (MMA) fight is not feasible; therefore, a method is needed to assess physiological responses in MMA fighters outside of competition. Quantifying and evaluating heart rate, oxygen uptake, and anaerobic threshold during a maximal treadmill test can provide interpretation for in-competition physiological responses of MMA fighters The retrospective analysis was conducted on 20 world-class MMA fighters predating the beginning of their fight camps (ages 29.0 ± 4.8 years old). A maximal treadmill test utilizing a ramp protocol was conducted eight weeks prior to a professional competition. Fighters’ data were divided in two groups based on weight status: lighter, < 185 pounds (n = 12) and heavier, ≥ 185 pounds (n = 8) weight groups. Heart rate (HR), anaerobic thresholds from respiratory exchange rate (RER-AT), and oxygen uptake (VO2max) were recorded and compared between weight groups. VO2max was the only physiological variable measured that differed between lighter (53.4 ± 4.5 ml . kg−1 . min−1) and heavier (48.1 ± 5.7 ml . kg−1 . min−1) fighters (p = 0.033). Previous literature has commonly used 1.0 RER to determine the breaking point in anaerobic thresholds. All other variables were not different (p ≥ 0.204) between groups. Differences in VO2max between lighter and heavier fighters is likely due to differences in body mass. While there were no differences in heart rates at RER-AT or time to exhaustion between weight status groups, using RER-AT at 0.95 or 1.0 RER may be a valuable way to ensure an MMA athlete achieve anaerobic training in fight preparation. Performance coaches may utilize physiological variables such as RER-AT acquired from maximal treadmill testing to guide the training demands of MMA competition.

Discussion on the Application of Technical and Tactical Skills in Mixed Martial Arts Competitions

This article mainly analyzes the application of technical and tactical skills in mixed martial arts competitions,including mixed martial arts and its competition characteristics, the main application significance of technical and tactical skills in mixed martial arts competitions, and its primary application strategies. It is hoped that this analysis can provide some guidelines for the appropriate application of mixed martial arts athletes’ technical and tactical skills to improve their winning rate in mixed martial arts competitions.

Eye Trauma in Mixed Martial Arts and Boxing.

To evaluate and compare eye and face trauma in mixed martial arts (MMA) and boxing. Retrospective cohort study. Data from boxing and MMA competitions were extracted from the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) between 2000 and 2020. Details of competitions, contestants, outcomes, and injuries were extracted. In total 1539 boxing injuries (from 4313 contests) and 1442 MMA injuries (from 2704 contests) were identified. Boxing had higher eye injury rates compared to MMA ( p < 0.0001), with an odds ratio of 1.268 (95% CI, 1.114-1.444). Eye trauma represented 47.63% of boxing injuries and 25.59% of MMA injuries, with periocular lacerations being the most common eye injury in both. Orbital fractures represented 17.62% of eye injuries in MMA and 3.14% in boxing contests. However, 2%-3% were retinal in both sports, and 3.27% were glaucomatous in boxing. MMA contestants had an odds ratio of 1.823 (95% CI, 1.408-2.359) for requiring physician evaluation following an eye injury compared with boxing. MMA contestants also had a higher rate of face ( p < 0.0001) and body ( p < 0.0001) injuries. For both sports, an increased number of rounds and being the losing fighter were associated with increased odds of eye and face injury. Although boxing has a higher rate of eye injuries, MMA eye injuries are more likely to require physician evaluation. MMA contestants also have a higher rate of orbital fractures and face and body trauma. A detailed postfight examination and long-term follow-up of ocular injury in combat sports will be vital in proposing reforms to prevent eye trauma.

Incidence of concussions in male mixed martial arts competition in relation to number of matches and previous knockout losses

Incidence of concussions in male mixed martial arts competition in relation to number of matches and previous knockout losses

Biochemical profile in mixed martial arts athletes.

The study aimed to evaluate changes in selected biochemical indicators among mixed martial arts competitors in subsequent periods of the training cycle. The research involved 12 mixed martial arts athletes aged 25.8 ± 4.2 years competing in the intermediate category. Selected somatic indicators were measured twice. Biochemical indicators were assessed five times during the 14-week study period. Serum concentrations of testosterone, cortisol, uric acid, myoglobin, total protein, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor, as well as creatine kinase activity were determined. One hour after sparring completion, there were significant increases in cortisol (by 54.9%), uric acid (22.0%), myoglobin (565.0%), and interleukin 6 (280.3%) as compared with the values before the simulated fight. The highest creatine kinase activity (893.83 ± 139.31 U/l), as well as tumor necrosis factor (3.93 ± 0.71 pg/ml) and testosterone (5.83 ± 0.81 ng/ml) concentrations (p = 0.00) were recorded 24 hours after the simulation. Systematic observation of selected blood biochemical indicators in the training process periodization in mixed martial arts helps understand adaptive, compensatory, and regenerative mechanisms occurring in training athletes.

Constrictive pericarditis in the setting of repeated chest trauma in a mixed martial arts fighter

BackgroundConstrictive pericarditis (CP) is characterized by scarring and loss of elasticity of the pericardium. This case demonstrates that mixed martial arts (MMA) is a previously unrecognized risk factor for CP, diagnosis of which is supported by cardiac imaging, right and left heart catheterization, and histological findings of dense fibrous tissue without chronic inflammation.Case presentationA 47-year-old Caucasian male former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter from the Western United States presented to liver clinic for elevated liver injury tests (LIT) and a 35-pound weight loss with associated diarrhea, lower extremity edema, dyspnea on exertion, and worsening fatigue over a period of 6 months. Past medical history includes concussion, right bundle branch block, migraine headache, hypertension, chronic pain related to musculoskeletal injuries and fractures secondary to MMA competition. Involvement in MMA was extensive with an 8-year history of professional MMA competition and 13-year history of MMA fighting with recurrent trauma to the chest wall. The patient also reported a 20-year history of performance enhancing drugs including testosterone. Physical exam was notable for elevated jugular venous pressure, hepatomegaly, and trace peripheral edema. An extensive workup was performed including laboratory studies, abdominal computerized tomography, liver biopsy, echocardiogram, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Finally, right and left heart catheterization—the gold standard—confirmed discordance of the right ventricle-left ventricle, consistent with constrictive physiology. Pericardiectomy was performed with histologic evidence of chronic pericarditis. The patient’s hospital course was uncomplicated and he returned to NYHA functional class I.ConclusionsCP can be a sequela of recurrent pericarditis or hemorrhagic effusions and may have a delayed presentation. In cases of recurrent trauma, CP may be managed with pericardiectomy with apparent good outcome. Further studies are warranted to analyze the occurrence of CP in MMA so as to better define the risk in such adults.

Rapid Weight Gain Following Weight Cutting in Male and Female Professional Mixed Martial Artists.

Rapid weight loss or "weight cutting" is a common but potentially harmful practice used in mixed martial arts competition. Following the official weigh-in, competitors refeed and rehydrate themselves in a process known as rapid weight gain (RWG) to realize a potential competitive advantage. While data from surveys and small series have indicated the majority of mixed martial arts athletes engage in rapid weight loss, there is a lack of officially collected data from sanctioning organizations describing its prevalence. The present investigation represents a summary of the data collected between December 2015 and January 2018 by the California State Athletic Commission. In total, 512 professional mixed martial artists (455 males and 57 females) were included. Of these, 503 (98%) athletes gained body mass between weigh-in and their bouts. Total RWG between weigh-in and competition was 5.5 ± 2.5kg, corresponding to an 8.1% ± 3.6% body mass increase. Total RWG was 5.6 ± 2.5kg (8.1% ± 3.6%) for males and 4.5 ± 2.3kg (8.0% ± 3.8%) for females. More than one quarter of men and one third of women gained >10% body mass between weigh-in and competition. Athletes from leading international promotions gained more absolute, but not relative, body mass than those from regional promotions. Our findings indicate RWG is nearly ubiquitous in professional , with a similar prevalence in male and female athletes. Trends based on promotion suggest a larger magnitude of RWG in presumably more experienced and/or successful mixed martial artists from leading international promotions.

이종격투기 경기 관람만족 및 제약 요인 탐색

The objective of this study is to draw the viewing satisfaction factors and viewing constraint factors, targeting the spectators of mixed martial arts competition. For this, this study conducted an online survey through a representative mixed martial arts community in Korea, and the data was collected by using the open-ended questionnaire. The inductive content analysis was used for data analysis. By going through the expert meeting, this study conducted the process of categorization into source data, detailed area, and general area according to the similarity of concept. In the results of conducting the multilateral verification to secure the validity and reliability in this process, the results were drawn as follows. First, total five viewing satisfaction factors in the spectators of mixed martial arts were drawn, which was highly shown in the order of atmosphere satisfaction, match state satisfaction, leisure satisfaction, player satisfaction, and service satisfaction. Second, total five viewing constraint factors in the spectators of mixed martial arts were drawn, which was highly shown in the order of internal constraint, facilities constraint, structural constraint, social constraint, and service constraint.

Assessment Of Neurologic Function In Mixed Martial Arts Fighters Following A Single Competition

Head strikes are legal and commonly used in mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions, putting MMA fighters at substantial risk for brain injury. Following a knockout (KO) or technical KO (TKO), fighters typically receive time-based medical suspensions that do not include objective determinations for safe return-to-play. Fighters who do not suffer a KO or TKO may not receive any medical suspensions, even though they may have incurred an undiagnosed concussion or subconcussive brain injury. PURPOSE: To determine if participating in a single MMA competition is associated with impaired neurologic function of MMA fighters. METHODS: Neurologic function of ten amateur and professional MMA fighters (9 men, 1 women; 26.1 ± 2.6 yr) was assessed before (61 ± 91.8 days; T1) and after (3.8 ± 1.3 days; T2) competition. Control participants (9 men, 1 women; 27.1 ± 2.7 yr) were assessed on two separate occasions, 38 ± 15.2 days apart (T1, T2). All participants were evaluated for static balance (Wii Balance Board; SB), dynamic balance (Y Balance Test; DB), eye movement speed and accuracy (King-Devick test; KD), near point of convergence (Vestibular / Ocular-Motor Screening; NC), hand-eye reaction time (FITLIGHT Trainer; RT), visuomotor ability (FITLIGHT Trainer, VM), and multiple object tracking speed (NeuroTracker, MOT). RESULTS: Two MMA participants lost their competition by KO/TKO (one due to strikes). DB, KD and NC improved significantly in control subjects relative to MMA fighters (β = -0.019, P = 0.005; β = 2.874, P = 0.039; and β = 5.662, P = 0.002, respectively). However, SB, RT and VM improved significantly in MMA fighters relative to control subjects (β = -1.042, P < 0.001; β = -0.017, P = 0.037; β = -0.062, P = 0.015, respectively). Changes in MOT between T1 and T2 were not significantly different between groups (β = 0.257, P = 0.285). CONCLUSION: MMA fighters had deficits in some assessments of neurologic function a few days after competition, yet they seemed to improve in other aspects. Measures of dynamic balance and eye function were impaired relative to control subjects, whereas static balance and reactive movement skills were improved in MMA fighters. Overall, it appears that some aspects of neurologic function may be more susceptible to impairment following MMA competition, though general abnormalities were not present.

The Countermovement Jump Mechanics of Mixed Martial Arts Competitors.

James, LP, Connick, M, Haff, GG, Kelly, VG, and Beckman, EM. The countermovement jump mechanics of mixed martial arts competitors. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 982-987, 2020-Gross countermovement jump (CMJ) performance measures are greater in higher-level mixed martial arts (MMA) competitors than lower-level (LL) competitors. Differences in CMJ kinetics and kinematics throughout the action may explain those CMJ performance differences, but this remains to be investigated. After warm-up and familiarization, 27 MMA competitors (divided into 2 groups based on competitive standard; higher level [HL]: n = 14 and LL: n = 13) completed 3 maximal effort CMJs. Power, force, velocity, displacement-time waveforms and eccentric phase displacement, eccentric time, eccentric impulse, and the modified reactive strength index (RSImod) were compared between groups using statistical parametric mapping procedures and independent t-tests. Power (between 65 and 71% of the power-time curve) was greater in the HL than that of the LL group (p = 0.01) despite no differences in eccentric displacement (p = 0.50) or movement time (p = 0.17) between groups. The HL group demonstrated a greater RSImod (p = 0.05) alongside a reduced eccentric time (p = 0.02) and eccentric impulse (p = 0.02). These findings suggest that timing and control of lower-body force production contributed to between-group differences in CMJ performance among MMA competitors.

The puncher’s chance in professional mixed martial arts competition

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and particularly the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has rapidly evolved and grown significantly over the past 20 years. Sports performance research into MMA is limited, and as such, there are potential gains to be made by practitioners supported by scientific research. The outcomes of UFC bouts from 1997 to 2020 that ended with a knockout (n = 1815) were analysed as a function of each fighters significant strike percentage to quantify the “puncher’s chance”. Logistic regression was utilised to model the association between the outcome (win or loss), and the strike percentage. The limit of this model then provides the absolute minimum odds associated with the puncher’s chance (as the percentage approaches zero). Results gave a value of approximately 1:2000 for a fighter that is being completely outclassed. Features in the data highlighted what are dubbed “practical” values of the puncher’s chance. For a mildly outclassed fighter, landing 35% to 45% of total strikes, the odds were 1:40.

The pacing of mixed martial arts sparring bouts: A secondary investigation with new analyses of previous data to support accelerometry as a potential method of monitoring pacing

PurposeBody-worn accelerometry has been shown to be reliable and used to measure the external load of mixed martial arts (MMA) via the Playerload metric. These measurements were only reported on a round-by-round basis, offering little indication of minute-by-minute load changes. Understanding these changes may provide a proxy measure of fatigue, readiness, and the onset of non-functional overreaching. It is also unclear as to what Playerload is measuring in MMA. This study was a secondary investigation of previously reported data to describe minute-by-minute changes in external load in MMA.MethodsSix male MMA competitors participated in a 3 × 5 minute sparring bout wearing a Catapult Minimax × 3, which recorded accumulated Playerload. The bouts were video-recorded. Time-motion analysis was used to determine: total active time; total inactive time; high-intensity time; low-intensity time; standing time; grounded time; striking time; non-striking time.ResultsBayesian repeated measures ANOVA found statistically relevant differences in accumulated Playerload for each minute of sparring (BF&lt;sub&gt;10&lt;/sub&gt; = 410) with no statistically relevant differences between winners and losers. Bayesian correlations revealed a direct, nearly perfect relationship between accumulated Playerload and total active time (&lt;i&gt;r&lt;/i&gt; = 0.992, BF&lt;sub&gt;10&lt;/sub&gt; = 9,666). No other relationships between Playerload and time-motion analysis results were observed, despite Bayesian t-tests finding differences between standing time and grounded time (BF&lt;sub&gt;10&lt;/sub&gt; = 83.7), striking time and non-striking time (BF&lt;sub&gt;10&lt;/sub&gt; = 1,419).ConclusionsPlayerload reflects overall active movement in MMA and measures active movement minute-by-minute changes but cannot distinguish between different modes or intensities of movement. This should be investigated further as a potential measure of fatigue and non-functional overreaching during MMA training.

Acute Caffeine Ingestion did not Enhance Punch Performance in Professional Mixed-Martial Arts Athletes.

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a combat sport where competitors utilize strikes (punches, kicks, knees, and elbows) and submission techniques to defeat opponents in a cage or ring. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acute caffeine ingestion on punching performance by professional MMA athletes. The study used a double-blind, counterbalanced, crossover design. Eleven professional MMA competitors (27.6 ± 4.3 years and 83.5 ± 7.8 kg of body weight) ingested a dose of caffeine (5 mg·kg−1) or placebo 60 min prior to three sets of punching. Each set consisted of 15 s, at which participants were asked to perform straight punches with maximum strength and frequency with his dominant arm. After each set, a 45 s recovery time was applied. Using a force transducer attached to a cushioned plate, the punch frequency, and mean and maximal punch force was measured. The readiness to invest in both physical (RTIPE) and mental (RTIME) effort was assessed prior to the protocol, and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded after. Caffeine ingestion did not result in increased punching frequency, mean and maximum punch force, RTIPE, RTIME, and RPE when compared to the placebo condition. Based on these results, acute caffeine ingestion did not improve punching performance in professional MMA athletes.

Mixed Martial Arts Induces Significant Fatigue and Muscle Damage Up to 24 Hours Post-combat.

Ghoul, N, Tabben, M, Miarka, B, Tourny, C, Chamari, K, and Coquart, J. Mixed martial arts induces significant fatigue and muscle damage up to 24 hours post-combat. J Strength Cond Res 33(6): 1570-1579, 2019-This study investigates the physiological/physical responses to a simulated mixed martial arts (MMA) competition over 24 hours. Twelve fighters performed a simulated MMA competition, consisting of three 5-minute MMA matches. Physiological/physical data were assessed before (Trest), directly after round 1 (Trd1), round 2 (Trd2) and round 3 (Trd3), and then 30 minutes (Trecovery30min) and 24 hours (Trecovery24h) post competition. Heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and blood lactate concentration ([La]) were assessed at Trest, Trd1, Trd2, and Trd3. Biological data were collected at Trest, Trd3, Trecovery30min, and Trecovery24h. Physical tests were performed at Trest, Trecovery30min, and Trecovery24h. HR, RPE, and [La] were high during competition. Leukocytes, hemoglobin, total protein, and glycemia were increased at Trd3 compared with all other time points (p ≤ 0.05). Cortisol was increased at Trd3 compared with Trest and Trecovery24h (p ≤ 0.05). Testosterone was higher at Trd3 and Trecovery30min than Trest (p < 0.001). Higher values of uric acid were noted during recovery periods (p < 0.001). Lactate dehydrogenase was lower at Trest compared with Trd3, Trecovery30min, and Trecovery24h (p ≤ 0.05). Countermovement jump was higher at Trest than Trecovery30min (p = 0.020). Consequently, MMA is a high-intensity intermittent combat sport that induces significant fatigue and muscle damage, both of which are still present at 24 hours post competition.

Participation and Injury in Martial Arts.

Martial arts encompass a variety of formal movements and traditions that can be practiced for self-defense, competition, physical fitness, motor development, and emotional growth. There are both noncombat forms that have less risk of injury and sparring/combat elements that have increased potential for injury. This article will review several common types of martial arts and the potential health benefits of participation. Common injuries of each discipline will be discussed with a focus on potential injury risk reduction efforts, such as protective padding and more focused rule enforcement. Special attention will be placed on head injuries/concussions, how forced or rapid weight loss may be a detriment to overall health, and the particular risk found in mixed martial arts competitions.

Cold Water Immersion Enhanced Athletes' Wellness and 10-m Short Sprint Performance 24-h After a Simulated Mixed Martial Arts Combat.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of Cold Water Immersion (CWI) on the recovery of physical performance, hematological stress markers and perceived wellness (i.e., Hooper scores) following a simulated Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competition.Methods: Participants completed two experimental sessions in a counter-balanced order (CWI or passive recovery for control condition: CON), after a simulated MMAs competition (3 × 5-min MMA rounds separated by 1-min of passive rest). During CWI, athletes were required to submerge their bodies, except the trunk, neck and head, in the seated position in a temperature-controlled bath (∼10°C) for 15-min. During CON, athletes were required to be in a seated position for 15-min in same room ambient temperature. Venous blood samples (creatine kinase, cortisol, and testosterone concentrations) were collected at rest (PRE-EX, i.e., before MMAs), immediately following MMAs (POST-EX), immediately following recovery (POST-R) and 24 h post MMAs (POST-24), whilst physical fitness (squat jump, countermovement-jump and 5- and 10-m sprints) and perceptual measures (well-being Hooper index: fatigue, stress, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and sleep) were collected at PRE-EX, POST-R and POST-24, and at PRE-EX and POST-24, respectively.Results: The main results indicate that POST-R sprint (5- and 10-m) performances were ‘likely to very likely’ (d = 0.64 and 0.65) impaired by prior CWI. However, moderate improvements were in 10-m sprint performance were ‘likely’ evident at POST-24 after CWI compared with CON (d = 0.53). Additionally, the use of CWI ‘almost certainly’ resulted in a large overall improvement in Hooper scores (d = 1.93). Specifically, CWI ‘almost certainly’ resulted in improved sleep quality (d = 1.36), stress (d = 1.56) and perceived fatigue (d = 1.51), and ‘likely’ resulted in a moderate decrease in DOMS (d = 0.60).Conclusion: The use of CWI resulted in an enhanced recovery of 10-m sprint performance, as well as improved perceived wellness 24-h following simulated MMA competition.

Physiological determinants of mixed martial arts performance and method of competition outcome

This investigation sought to determine the relevance of anaerobic and aerobic-based measures to competition level and bout outcome in mixed martial arts competitors. For the primary analysis, seven higher-level and eight lower-level male mixed martial arts competitors were compared across a series of short-term anaerobic (sprints at 10 and 20 m), repeated maximal effort (repeated sprint ability), and intermittent aerobic tests (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 2)). For the secondary analysis, data were then pooled so relationships could be explored between test performance and percentage of bouts reaching a decision. Cohen's d effect sizes and qualitative magnitude-based inferences were calculated to describe the differences between groups. These same descriptors were used to interpret the output of the regression analysis used to predict decision percentage. Superior performances by the higher-level group were revealed across most variables to a non-trivial magnitude. Furthermore, it was likely that a decrease in short-term anaerobic performance or an increase in intermittent endurance capacity positively related to an increased likelihood of bouts lasting the full scheduled duration. These findings indicate the importance of anaerobic and aerobic qualities to mixed martial arts performance and combat methods.

Injuries Sustained During Modern Army Combatives Tournaments.

Injuries sustained during Modern Army Combatives (MAC) tournaments can result in variable recovery time for involved competitors and unpredictable loss of readiness for military units. A paucity of MAC data is available to guide military medical providers and unit commanders on expected injuries or loss of readiness. Literature reviewing mixed martial arts competitions offers some insight but demonstrates variation in fight outcomes resulting in injuries ranging from 8.5% to 70% and it is difficult to effectively extrapolate such data to predict MAC tournament injuries. This study retrospectively reviews pre- and post-competition medical records from two MAC tournaments held at Fort Hood in 2014 and 2015 to provide descriptive clinical information on injury patterns to practitioners and military commanders. Records from a total of 195 competitors with a mean age of 24.4 yr were analyzed with a total of 67 injuries, 29 of which resulted in duty limitations (14.8% of participants). Competitors participating in less-restrictive mixed martial arts style fighting (Advanced MAC) were 4.3 times more likely to sustain an injury than those limited to upper body grappling events (95% confidence interval 2.30-8.16). Military Acute Concussion Evaluations were reliably recorded both pre- and post-competition in 44% of total participants with no significant statistical difference between pre- and post-tournament evaluations. Duty profile limitations of injured competitors averaged 1 mo in duration. MAC tournaments result in injury rates comparable with other combative sports and military training courses.

The physiological response to cold-water immersion following a mixed martial arts training session.

Combative sport is one of the most physically intense forms of exercise, yet the effect of recovery interventions has been largely unexplored. We investigated the effect of cold-water immersion on structural, inflammatory, and physiological stress biomarkers following a mixed martial arts (MMA) contest preparation training session in comparison with passive recovery. Semiprofessional MMA competitors (n = 15) were randomly assigned to a cold-water immersion (15 min at 10 °C) or passive recovery protocol (ambient air) completed immediately following a contest preparation training session. Markers of muscle damage (urinary myoglobin), inflammation/oxidative stress (urinary neopterin + total neopterin (neopterin + 7,8-dihydroneopterin)), and hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA) activation (saliva cortisol) were determined before, immediately after, and 1, 2, and 24 h postsession. Ratings of perceived soreness and fatigue, counter movement jump, and gastrointestinal temperature were also measured. Concentrations of all biomarkers increased significantly (p < 0.05) postsession. Cold water immersion attenuated increases in urinary neopterin (p < 0.05, d = 0.58), total neopterin (p < 0.05, d = 0.89), and saliva cortisol after 2 h (p < 0.05, d = 0.68) and urinary neopterin again at 24 h (p < 0.01, d = 0.57) in comparison with passive recovery. Perceived soreness, fatigue, and gastrointestinal temperatures were also lower for the cold-water immersion group at several time points postsession whilst counter movement jump did not differ. Combative sport athletes who are subjected to impact-induced stress may benefit from immediate cold-water immersion as a simple recovery intervention that reduces delayed onset muscle soreness as well as macrophage and HPA activation whilst not impairing functional performance.

Does Stature or Wingspan Length Have a Positive Effect on Competitor Rankings or Attainment of World Title Bouts in International and Elite Mixed Martial Arts?

AbstractIn this study the stature, wingspan and stature-to-wingspan ratio (S:W) was recorded for N = 474 elite and international mixed martial arts (MMA) competitors who appeared in televised bouts over the course of one calendar year. Each weight division was split into three or four ranking groups (RG) depending on division size, as well as into groups depending on if the competitors had won or competed for a world title (El) or had done neither (In). One-way ANOVA (≤0.05) found that shorter competitors are ranked higher in flyweight and in the middle in women’s strawweight. Independent t-tests (≤0.05) found that shorter competitors also have more chance of winning or competing for a world title in featherweight and flyweight. Independent t-tests (≤0.05) also found a significant difference between males and female for S:W. There was a weak, negative correlation and a moderate, negative correlation between stature and rank in lightweight and light heavyweight respectively and a moderate, negative correlation between S:W and rank in featherweight. There were no other significant differences found. Overall, whilst MMA competitors have a S:W of 1:1.024, due to the paucity of significant differences found, it was determined that anthropometrical measurements cannot be used to predict success in elite and international mixed martial arts.