Long MMA fights technical-tactical analysis of mixed martial arts: implications for assessment and training

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to compare time-motion and technical-tactical behaviours of professional mixed martial arts (MMA) bouts with a focus on longer bouts that were finished during 3rd round vs. 10 4th round vs. 5th round, comparing rounds. We analysed 779 rounds (264 bouts – 3rd round n = 120; 4th round n = 92; ©and; 5th round n = 52) which were compared by rounds. Our main results showed that bouts with 5th showed higher percentage/round of lowintensity time than the 3rd round (79% vs. 75%) and the 4th rounds demonstrated higher percentage/round of low-intensity time effort 20 than other rounds (84% vs. 76%). Regarding striking actions, 1st round (39.5 ± 17.6) and 4th round (19.8 ± 12.5) showed lower frequency of strikes attempted than 2nd round (46.1 ± 21.9) and 3rd round (46.1 ± 27.0). This study demonstrated new parameters for long MMA bouts with 3, 4 and 5 ending-rounds and other rounds.

KEYWORDS:

• Time and motion studies
• statistical analysis
• task performance and analysis
• martial arts

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.