In a significant development for the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports Mixed Martial Arts Committee announced some major changes to the unified rules of MMA. This comes as a response to the ongoing controversy surrounding certain nonsensical rules. The most notable change involves the removal of the long-debated 12-6 elbow strike being deemed illegal.

The 12-6 elbow strike has been a subject of contention due to the ambiguity surrounding its definition. For years, it has been described as an elbow strike that moves straight up and straight down. However, the ABC made the groundbreaking announcement that this strike will no longer be considered illegal, effective from November 1. This timeline allows for the necessary regulatory adjustments and proper training of referees and ringside physicians.

One individual who expressed sheer excitement upon hearing this news is Jon Jones, the current UFC heavyweight champion. The only loss on Jones' record is a result of an illegal 12-6 elbow strike against Matt Hamill back in 2009. Jones now has the opportunity to contest the loss and potentially change it to a no-contest. However, due to the time elapsed since the incident, it is unlikely that he will pursue an appeal. If Jones were to appeal and succeed, his record would change from 27-1 (1 NC) to 27-0 (2 NC). The champion took to Instagram to address this potential change, urging UFC President Dana White to erase the loss from the history books.

In addition to the modification of the 12-6 elbow rule, the ABC also revisited the grounded opponent rule—a rule that has consistently sparked controversy. The revised version of the rule states that a fighter shall be considered grounded and cannot be legally struck in the head with knees or kicks when any part of their body, other than their hands or feet, is in contact with the canvas.

This change comes in response to notable incidents such as Petr Yan's illegal knee strike against Aljamain Sterling at UFC 259, where Sterling's knee was planted on the ground, deeming him a grounded opponent.

The MMA community is closely observing the impacts of these rule changes on the sport. While some celebrate the removal of the 12-6 elbow strike ban, questions remain about the potential consequences and controversies that may arise as a result of the amended grounded opponent rule.

As the MMA landscape continues to evolve, fighters, promoters, and officials will need to adapt to these regulatory shifts in order to ensure the safety and fairness of the sport.