Professional Mixed Martial Arts Research Articles

Degenerative changes of the wrist in mixed martial arts and boxing based on the three column theory

ABSTRACT Objective Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a relatively young combat sport. In contrast to classic boxing, MMA combines techniques of grappling and striking. However, characteristic long-term effects of MMA on the wrist are discussed controversially. Aim of this study was to elucidate characteristic degenerative changes of the wrist from MMA fighters in comparison to classic boxers. Methods In this study, eleven professional MMA fighters and ten professional boxers with chronic wrist pain were examined and compared. Age, weight, number of fights and weekly hours of training were recorded. Wrist and hand of each fighter were examined using a 3T-MR scanner. Degenerations of the radial, central and ulnar column were analyzed according to Navarro’s three-column theory and degenerative changes were categorized based on the classification of Fredericson. Results There was no significant difference of age, weight and number of fights between MMA fighters and boxers (p > 0.15). However, MMA fighters practiced significantly more hours per week (19.5 (MMA) vs. 8.5 (boxing) hours/week, p < 0.001). No significant associations were found between different training times per Week in terms of degenerative changes of the wrist in MMA and boxing based on the three column theory. The comparison of degenerative changes in the columns between MMA and boxing showed no significant differences. The MRI showed a significantly higher degeneration in the radial column compared to the central column among MMA fighters for ligaments (p = 0.01) and bones (p = 0.03). Conclusion Due to different fighting techniques, different physical traumas, including falls, pattern of degenerations of the wrist between MMA fighters and boxers are different. MMA fighters suffer of a highly degenerative radial column and boxers suffer of a homogeneous degeneration of all three columns.

Immediate Effect of Cryo-Compression Therapy on Biomechanical Properties and Perfusion of Forearm Muscles in Mixed Martial Arts Fighters.

Mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters use their arms and hands for striking with the fists, grappling, and defensive techniques, which puts a high load on the forearms and hand muscles. New methods are needed to decrease the risk of injury and increase the effectiveness of regeneration. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of cryo-compression (CC) therapy of different times (3 and 6 min) on forearm muscles in MMA fighters by investigating muscle pain, stiffness, tension, elasticity strength, and perfusion. Twenty professional male MMA fighters aged 26.5 ± 4.5 years, with training experience of 10.3 ± 5.0 years, were enrolled on an experimental within-group study design. The participants underwent CC therapy at a temperature of 3 °C and compression of 75 mmHg for 3 min and, in the second session, for 6 min. The investigated parameters were in the following order: (1) perfusion in non-reference units (PU), (2) muscle tone (T-[Hz]), (3) stiffness (S-[N/m]), (4) elasticity (E-[arb]), (5) pressure pain threshold (PPT-[N/cm]), and (6) maximum isometric force (Fmax [kgf]) at two time points: (1) at rest-2 min before CC therapy (pre) and (2) 2 min after CC therapy (post). There were significant differences between 3 and 6 min of CC therapy for PU and T. Meanwhile, F, E, PPT, and S were significantly different when comparing pre- to post-conditions. These results provide evidence that CC therapy is a stimulus that significantly affects parameters characterizing muscle biomechanical properties, pain threshold, strength, and tissue perfusion.

Cardiovascular collapse leading to head impact exposure during weigh-in -highlighting the dangers of extreme weight cutting in MMA

Professional mixed martial arts (MMA) is a popular combat sport worldwide. The health dangers of extreme weight cutting such as cardiovascular collapse and increased susceptibility to concussion are increasingly been recognized in this sport. Cardiovascular collapse due to an extreme weight cut is mostly likely to occur at the time of the weigh-in. To ensure the health and safety of combatants, there should be adequate medical staffing at the time of the weigh-in.

Suggestions for Professional Mixed Martial Arts Training With Pacing Strategy and Technical-Tactical Actions by Rounds.

Antoniettô, NR, Bello, FD, Carrenho Queiroz, AC, Berbert de Carvalho, PH, Brito, CJ, Amtmann, J, and Miarka, B. Suggestions for professional mixed martial arts training with pacing strategy and technical-tactical actions by rounds. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-This study compared the pacing strategy and motor actions used in mixed martial arts combats ending by knockout/technical knockout (KO/TKO) or submission. All of the sample bouts ended in KO/TKO and consisted of 1,564 rounds of 678 bouts. The bouts were separated by round (R) of bouts ending (ER) in the first round (n = 192), first (1R × 2ER) and second (2R × 2ER) of bouts ending in the second round (n = 172), and first (1R × 3ER), second (2R × 3ER), and third (3R × 3ER) of bouts ending in the third round (n = 1,200). The analyses were performed according to the duration ([INCREMENT]) in each phase: [INCREMENT] standing preparatory activity time, [INCREMENT] standing combat activity time, [INCREMENT] ground preparatory activity time, and [INCREMENT] ground combat activity time and their technical-tactical actions (attempted and landed strikes to the head, body and leg, takedowns, and submissions). The main results demonstrated a shorter [INCREMENT] standing preparatory activity time in 1R × 1ER (95.6 ± 62.9 seconds) and 2R × 2ER (93.6 ± 67.9 seconds) vs. 2R × 3ER (160.5 ± 87.4 seconds) and 3R × 3ER (144.0 ± 88.5 seconds) with fewer strikes attempted and landed to the head, body, and legs (p ≤ 0.05). No differences were observed (p > 0.05) between [INCREMENT] standing combat activity time, but lower attempted and landed takedowns and strikes to the head, body, and leg frequencies. There were shorter [INCREMENT] ground combat activity time (p ≤ 0.05) in 1R × 1ER (23.4 ± 45.5) and 2R × 2ER (25.3 ± 41.9) vs. 2R × 3ER (50.4 ± 69.9) and 3R × 3ER (52.9 ± 74.2), with lower attempted submissions, chokes, and attempted and landed strikes to the head, body, and leg frequencies observed. These results contribute to the information developed from current research to help improve the quality of training and promote effective athletic preparation related to pacing strategy and performance models.

Sparring and the Brain: The Associations between Sparring and Regional Brain Volumes in Professional Mixed Martial Arts Fighters.

Mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters, due to exposure to repetitive head impacts, are at risk for brain atrophy and neurodegenerative sequelae. Simultaneously, motor skills training and cognition-rich activities have been linked with larger regional brain volumes. The majority of an MMA fighter's sporting activity occurs during practice (e.g., sparring) rather than formal competition. This study, therefore, aims to be the first to explore regional brain volumes associated with sparring in MMA fighters. Ninety-four active, professional MMA fighters from the Professional Fighters Brain Health Study met inclusion criteria for this cross-sectional analysis. Adjusted multivariable regression analyses were utilized to examine the relationship between the number of sparring practice rounds per week during typical training and a select number of regional brain volumes (i.e., caudate, thalamus, putamen, hippocampus, amygdala). A higher number of weekly sparring rounds during training was significantly associated with larger left (beta = 13.5µL/round, 95%CI 2.26-24.8) and right (beta = 14.9µL/round, 95%CI 3.64-26.2) caudate volumes. Sparring was not significantly associated with left or right thalamus, putamen, hippocampus, or amygdala volumes. More weekly rounds of sparring was not significantly associated with smaller volumes in any of the brain regions studied in active, professional MMA fighters. Sparring's significant association with larger caudate volume raises questions about whether fighters who spar more experience attenuated trauma-related decreases in caudate volume relative to fighters who spar less, whether fighters who spar more experience minimal or even positive changes to caudate volume, whether baseline differences in caudate size may have mediated results, or whether some other mechanism may be at play. Given limitations inherent to the cross-sectional study design, more research is needed to further explore the brain effects of sparring in MMA.

Dysregulation of miR-155 Expression in Professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Fighters.

Psychological and physical stress can induce dysregulation of gene expression via changes in DNA methylation and microRNA (miRNA) expression. Such epigenetic modifications are yet to be investigated in professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters subject to highly stressful training involving repetitive head impacts. This study examined differences in DNA methylation and miRNA expression in elite MMA fighters compared to active controls. Global methylation differences between groups were assessed via a LINE-1 assay. At the same time, PCR arrays were used to estimate differential expression in samples of 21 fighters and 15 controls for 192 different miRNAs associated with inflammatory diseases. An Independent-Samplest-Test found no significant difference in LINE-1 methylation between groups. However, an Independent-Samples Mann-Whitney U Test revealed a significant upregulation in the expression of miR-155 in MMA fighter plasma. Since miR-155 has been recognized as an important regulator of neuroinflammation, this dysregulation suggests a possible epigenetic mechanism responsible for chronic inflammation associated with professional-level MMA training. Consistent with other published works, this study highlights the potential of miR-155 not only as a biomarker for monitoring long-term health risks linked to head trauma but also as a target to remediate the impact of chronic neuroinflammation.

Rapid Weight Gain and Weight Differential Predict Competitive Success in 2100 Professional Combat-Sport Athletes.

Combat-sport athletes commonly undergo rapid weight loss prior to prebout weigh-in and subsequently rapid weight gain (RWG) prior to competition. This investigation aimed to evaluate the effect of RWG and weight differential (WD) between opponents on competitive success. A retrospective cohort study was performed using data from professional mixed martial arts (MMA) and boxing events held between 2015 and 2019. The primary outcome was RWG (relative and absolute) between weigh-in and competition stratified by bout winners and losers. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the relationships among bout outcome, RWG, and WD between competitors on the day of their bout. Among 708 MMA athletes included, winners regained more relative body mass (8.7% [3.7%] vs 7.9% [3.8%], P < .01) than losers. In 1392 included male boxers, winners regained significantly more relative body mass (8.0% [3.0%] vs 6.9% [3.2%], P < .01) than losers. Each percentage body mass increase resulted in a 7% increased likelihood of victory in MMA and a 13% increase in boxing. The relationship between RWG and competitive success remained significant in regional and male international MMA athletes, as well as boxers. WD predicted victory in international mixed martial artists and boxers. WD predicted victory by knockout or technical knockout in international MMA athletes and regional boxers. This analysis of combat-sport athletes indicates that RWG and WD influence competitive success. These findings raise fair-play and safety concerns in these popular sports and may help guide risk-mitigating regulation strategies.

Ruler Drop Method in Virtual Reality as an Accurate and Reliable Tool for Evaluation of Reaction Time of Mixed Martial Artists

Reaction time (RT) is one of the key factors in combat sports. Its high level is a predictor of sporting success. Therefore, RT tests are an important diagnostic tool in combat sports. The implementation of some conventional psychomotor tests in virtual settings can facilitate research and improve the objectivity and standardization of the measurement procedure. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of RT measurements, using the ruler drop method (RDM) implemented within immersive virtual reality (VR). Twenty-eight professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters were examined. The validity of the new VR measurement method was estimated by comparing the results obtained using the computer test and the conventional catch-the-ruler test. The reliability of the measurements was evaluated using an intraclass correlation procedure. Analysis of variance was used to examine the differences in RT in MMA fighters obtained from different tests. Significant correlations were found between the results of measurements in VR and the results of other tests, with the highest values observed between the tests performed in a virtual environment and computer-based tests. The values of the ICC intraclass correlation coefficients for all the reaction time tests conducted in the group of MMA fighters were at an adequate or high level. The analysis of variance showed that the reaction time of MMA fighters differed significantly between the tests. In VR and computer-based tests, reaction times were significantly longer than during conventional RDM measurements. RT did not depend on the hand used during the test. In conclusion, the VR environment allows for designing and conducting valid reaction time tests reliably and objectively, using standard testing procedures, while reducing the effect of human factors on the measurement results.

Weight Loss and Competition Weight in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Athletes.

Previous research has demonstrated that professional mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes employ a variety of weight manipulation strategies to compete at given weight classes. Although there is much literature demonstrating weight manipulation methods, minimal research exists analyzing how much weight MMA athletes lose prior to the official weigh-in. Moreover, there is minimal research examining how much weight professional MMA athletes gain between the official weigh-in and competition. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to analyze weight loss/regain in professional MMA athletes. Data collected from 616 professional MMA athletes (31.1 ± 4.0 yrs.; 177.1 ± 4.7 cm) competing for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) between 2020 and 2022 were used for the study. The athlete's weight was obtained 72 h, 48 h, and 24 h prior to the official weigh-in, at the official weigh-in, and prior to competition. Random effects analysis was utilized to compare weight at a variety of time points between different weight classes. All statistics were analyzed, and significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. There is a significant (p ≤ 0.05) difference between weight classes and time points in professional MMA. MMA athletes decrease body weight significantly prior to the official weigh-in. MMA athletes increase body weight significantly between official weigh-in and competition. Based on these data, it appears that MMA athletes average a weight loss of nearly 7% within 72 h prior to the official weigh-in. The data also suggest that athletes gain nearly 10% of total weight between the official weigh-in and competition.

Symptomatic Concussions, Depression, and Impulsivity in Fighters with a Family History of Dementia

AbstractBackgroundProfessional boxers and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters regularly sustain blunt force trauma to the head leading to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and concussion; therefore, fighters are at high risk for chronic traumatic encephalopathy and neurodegenerative disease. Family history of dementia (fhD) may significantly modulate fighter response to TBI. Genetic polymorphisms associated with dementia have been reported to modulate an individual’s response to brain injury and to influence emotionality, risk‐taking, and cognition. A recent study in male college athletes found that fhD predisposed athletes to poorer recovery after concussion and to decrements in impulse control following injury. Furthermore, in a population‐based cohort study from the Netherlands, researchers found that parental history of dementia led to increased rates of depression in mid‐life. The present study aims to investigate how fhD in fighters may relate to history of symptomatic concussions, depression, and impulsivity.MethodsUsing data from the Professional Fighters Brain Health Study (longitudinal cohort study of fighters), we included active, professional boxers and MMA fighters (n = 198) for cross‐sectional analyses. The latest study visits with available data were utilized to generate multivariate regression analyses examining the number of self‐reported symptomatic concussions in a fighter’s career, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)‐9 scores, and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale Version 11 (BIS‐11) scores, adjusting for age, sex, education, and number of professional fights.ResultsFhD was significantly associated with more symptomatic concussions during one’s career (p&lt;0.05), higher PHQ‐9 scores (p&lt;0.01), and higher BIS‐11 scores (p&lt;0.01).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that professional boxers and MMA fighters with fhD may be more likely to experience symptomatic concussions, depression, and impulsivity during their active fighting career. We postulate that fhD may predispose fighters to experience a higher burden of neuropsychiatric symptoms after sustaining a TBI, potentially due to differences in the brain’s response to injury. These findings may be used to advise those with fhD to minimize possible exposures to TBI and to educate fighters with fhD regarding risks of chronic neurotrauma exposure. Future research should evaluate potential genetic and/or molecular mechanisms behind these trends and behavioral outcomes associated with the sequelae of TBI in those with fhD.

Characteristics of Facial Trauma in Professional Mixed Martial Arts.

Background: Injuries are common in mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions. However, the risk factors for facial injury have not been delineated. Objective: Identify the facial injuries and associated risk factors of professional MMA fights. Methods: The Nevada State Athletic Commission medical injury reports from all professional Ultimate Fighting Championship bouts from 2010 to 2020 was reviewed. Fighter characteristics, details of the competition, and injuries sustained were collected. Binary logistic regressions determined significant predictors of facial injury. Results: A total of 1462 fighters were included. Most participants were male (91.0%) with mean age of 29.5 ± 4.1 years. Most fights took place between 135 and 185 lbs., lasted ≥3 rounds (59.4%), and resulted in judges' decision (50.5%) or knockout (31.2%). The facial injury rate was 15.8%, which were predominantly lacerations (12.0%) and fractures (3.6%). Multivariate regression revealed being male (p = 0.026), heavier weight (p = 0.028), more rounds fought (p = 0.019), losing (p < 0.001), and nonsubmission outcome (p = 0.017) predicted facial injury. Conclusion: Facial injuries are common in MMA fighting. The risks should be iterated to participants in this sport.

‘Let's face it, it's not a healthy sport’: Perceived health status and experience of injury among Polish professional mixed martial arts athletes

With this article we present findings from the research on professional MMA fighters and their perception of health and injury. The frequency and types of injuries they have sustained while practicing MMA were analysed alongside self-assessment of health conditions and attitudes towards health problems. We also analyze fighters’ risk culture of neglecting pain and underestimating injuries, and the organization of health care in the event of an injury. A mixed methodology was applied. We administered a questionnaire to 88 male professional MMA athletes. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 athletes from the surveyed group. Respondents’ mean age was 27.5. They had sound MMA experience, with the most experienced competing in over 20 professional fights. Investigated athletes reported numerous health problems, high injury rate and frequent occurrence of pain. The MMA risk culture seemed to shape specific competitors’ perceptions and responses to injury and health problems and specific hierarchy of injury severity. MMA athletes showed a high level of risk acceptance regarding their health and the social and economic terms of their professional MMA involvement. They also reported inadequate medical care and oversight, and independently organised and financed medical and rehabilitation treatments. Nevertheless, for investigated athletes this risk culture seems to be internalized and considered an acceptable cost of their professional sport involvement and recognition.

Maximum Isometric and Dynamic Strength of Mixed Martial Arts Athletes According to Weight Class and Competitive Level.

Mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes must achieve high strength levels to face the physical demands of an MMA fight. This study compared MMA athletes’ maximal isometric and dynamic strength according to the competitive level and weight class. Twenty-one male MMA athletes were divided into lightweight professional (LWP; n = 9), lightweight elite (LWE; n = 4), heavyweight professional (HWP; n = 4), and heavyweight elite (HWE; n = 4). The handgrip and isometric lumbar strength tests assessed the isometric strength, and the one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press and 4RM leg press the dynamic strength. Univariate ANOVA showed differences between groups in absolute and relative 1RM bench press and absolute isometric lumbar strength. Post hoc tests showed differences in 1RM bench press between HWE and LWE (117.0 ± 17.8 kg vs. 81.0 ± 10.0 kg) and HWE and LWP athletes (117.0 ± 17.8 kg vs. 76.7 ± 13.7 kg; 1.5 ± 0.2 kg·BW−1 vs. 1.1 ± 0.2 kg·BW−1). In addition, there was a correlation between 1RM bench press and isometric lumbar strength for absolute (r = 0.67) and relative values (r = 0.50). This study showed that the 1RM bench press and isometric lumbar strength were associated and could differentiate MMA athletes according to their competitive level and weight class. Therefore, optimizing the force production in the upper body and lower back seems important in elite and professional MMA athletes.

Assessment of the Relevance and Reliability of Reaction Time Tests Performed in Immersive Virtual Reality by Mixed Martial Arts Fighters.

Immersive virtual reality (VR) is increasingly applied in various areas of life. The potential of this technology has also been noticed in recreational physical activity and sports. It appears that a virtual environment can also be used in diagnosing certain psychomotor abilities. The main aim of this study consisted of assessing the relevance and reliability of VR-implemented tests of simple and complex reaction time (RT) performed by mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters. Thirty-two professional MMA fighters were tested. The original test developed in the virtual environment was applied for RT assessment. The fighters’ task consisted of reacting to the lighting up of a virtual disc situated in front of them by pushing a controller button. The relevance of the test task was estimated by juxtaposing the obtained results with the classic computer test used for measuring simple and complex reactions, while its reliability was assessed with the intraclass correlation procedure. Significant relationships found between the results of VR-implemented tests and computer-based tests confirmed the relevance of the new tool for the assessment of simple and complex RT. In the context of their reliability, RT tests in VR do not differ from tests conducted with the use of standard computer-based tools. VR technology enables the creation of tools that are useful in diagnosing psychomotor abilities. Reaction time tests performed by MMA fighters with the use of VR can be considered relevant, and their reliability is similar to the reliability obtained in computer-based tests.

The Philosophy of Mixed Martial Arts

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a combat sport incorporating techniques from other combat sports (such as boxing and Muay Thai) and from traditional martial arts (karate, jiu-jitsu, etc.). It is a recent sport, dating only to the early 1980s, although there are historical antecedents in ancient Greece and elsewhere. As originally conceived MMA had relatively few constraints on the techniques that fighters could use. (Only biting, eye gouging, and groin strikes were forbidden.) The sport was sometimes marketed as “no holds barred” fighting, or a close approximation of street fighting. Gradually more rules were introduced, both for reasons of safety and to broaden the sport’s appeal. Fighters wear specialized gloves and other protective gear, and fights take place in a ring or enclosed area that is sometimes (but not always) an octagon shape. Professional MMA fighters have typically trained in a number of different fighting systems or martial arts. In...

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.

Assessment Of Neurologic Function In Mixed Martial Arts Athletes

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a combat sport in which participants routinely incur head impacts that may put them at risk for acute brain injury and/or neurodegenerative brain disease. MMA athletes compete rather infrequently, though often train year-round; thus, their brain injury risk is a function of discrete and cumulative head impact exposure during training and competition. Despite MMA athletes being at increased risk for brain injury, their neurologic health has not been well characterized. PURPOSE: To examine if MMA participation is associated with neurologic impairment. METHODS: Seventeen amateur and professional MMA athletes (14 men, 3 women; 25.4 ± 3.5 yr) and seventeen age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects (14 men, 3 women; 26.4 ± 3.3 yr) participated in this study. All participants completed a baseline evaluation using several objective assessments of neurologic function: eye movement speed and accuracy (King-Devick test; KD); near point convergence (Vestibular / Ocular-Motor Screening; NC), eye-hand reaction time (FitLight Trainer; RT), visuomotor ability (FitLight Trainer; VM), static balance (Wii Balance Board; SB), and multiple object tracking speed (NeuroTracker; MOT). MMA athletes completed follow-up assessments at various times post-baseline, including up to three post-fight assessments and/or up to two post-training assessments. Control subjects were tested at time points similar to that of MMA athletes’ post-fight assessments. RESULTS: MMA athletes performed significantly worse than controls on all three vision-related tests (KD [P < 0.001], NC [P = 0.013], and MOT [P < 0.001]) at baseline. MMA athletes also had significantly slower RT (P = 0.008) and VM (P = 0.017) at baseline, while their SB was poorer compared to controls (P ≤ 0.033). Finally, MMA athletes had attenuated improvements in KD and RT (P = 0.013 and P = 0.003 - 0.024, respectively) over time, though both groups improved similarly on all other assessments when controlling for baseline measures. CONCLUSIONS: MMA athletes had deficits in several measures of neurologic function at baseline and throughout serial evaluations compared to age- and sex-matched control participants. These results suggest that MMA participation may be associated with impaired neurologic function.

Performance and return to sport after injury in professional mixed martial arts

ABSTRACT Background Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is an increasingly popular combat sport incorporating striking and grappling that results in a high incidence of injuries. Objectives The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of injuries on the return to sport and post-injury performance of professional MMA athletes. We hypothesize that increased age is associated with lower probability of return to sport and diminished post-injury performance. Methods Publicly available data (obtained from ESPN.com/MMA, UFC.com, Rotowire.com/MMA) from professional MMA fighters who resigned from fight cards due to injury from 2012 to 2014 were analyzed. Injury history, match history and outcomes, and duration of time to return to professional fighting were recorded and compared to a cohort consisting of uninjured opponents. Results 454 fighters were included in the analysis. The mean age at the time of injury was 30.0±3.9 years. 94.4% of injured athletes were able to return to professional MMA, and athletes required a mean duration of 6.8±6.7 months between injury and their next professional fight (range 0.3–58 months). There was no significant difference in winning percentage in the post-injury period between the injured group and the uninjured group (p = 0.691). Increased age at the time of injury was associated with the odds of being able to return to professional fighting after injury (OR = 0.822, p = 0.001). Conclusion In this analysis of publicly available injury data on MMA fighters, there was a high rate of return to professional sport and no evidence of an associated decline in performance following major injury requiring withdrawal from a fight card. Older age at the time of injury was associated with decreased odds of being able to return to professional fighting. With increasing popularity of combat sports, sport-specific prognostic information will help guide and treat specific injuries associated with MMA participation.

Prevalence, Patterns, and Characteristics of Eye Injuries in Professional Mixed Martial Arts

PurposeTo describe the frequency and type of eye injuries in fighters in mixed martial arts (MMA) competition.MethodsFight result data were collected from the Nevada Athletic Commission database from 2001 to 2020. Any fighters in a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) contest with an eye injury were included. Main outcome measures included frequency and rate of eye injuries per fight and the types of eye injuries. Secondary outcome measures were gender, laterality, decision type, and length of no-contact recommended.ResultsOf the 256 MMA events in the database, 187 events (73.3%) had at least one eye injury. Of a total 2208 fights at these events, there were 363 fighters who sustained 369 eye injuries, with the yearly rate of eye injuries per 100 fighters ranging from 2.56 to 12.22. The most common injuries were eyebrow and eyelid lacerations (n=160, 43%), lacerations around the eye (n=98, 27%), and orbital fractures (n=62, 17%). Most eye injuries were right sided (n=197, 53.3%) and the majority of fighters with eye injuries lost their match (n=228, 62.8%). Fifty-seven fighters were recommended for further ophthalmology clearance after the match. The most common reasons for recommended ophthalmology follow-up was orbital fracture (n=25, 44%) and retinal injury (n=7, 12%). Forty-three fighters received no-contact requirements relating to their injury for an average of 8.9 weeks (range 1–24 weeks).ConclusionOphthalmic injuries in professional MMA were prevalent, were most often lacerations surrounding the eye, and often accompanied the fighter losing their match.

Brain trauma characteristics for lightweight and heavyweight fighters in professional mixed martial arts

ABSTRACT Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a sport where the fighters are at high risk of brain trauma, with characteristics, such as the frequency, magnitude, and interval of head impacts influencing the risk of developing short- and long-term negative brain health outcomes. These characteristics may be influenced by weight class as they may have unique fighting styles. The purpose of this research was to compare frequency, magnitude, and interval of head impacts between lightweight and heavyweight fighters in professional MMA. Frequency, interval, event type, velocity, and location of head impacts were documented for 60 fighters from 15 Lightweight and 15 Heavyweight professional MMA fights. Head impact reconstructions of these events were performed using physical and finite element modelling methods to determine the strain in the brain tissues. The results found that LW and HW fighters sustained similar head impact frequencies and intervals. The LW fighters sustained a significantly higher frequency of very low and high magnitude impacts to the head from punches; HW a larger frequency of high category strains from elbow strikes. These brain trauma profiles reflect different fight strategies and may inform methods to manage and mitigate the long-term effects of repetitive impacts to the head.