People who practice mixed martial arts (MMA) are often confused for boxers, and vice versa. Although the two sports share some similarities, they’re also quite different from one another. If you’re interested in boxing and want to learn about these two combat sports, here’s what you should know about how they differ.

What Is the Key Difference?

MMA involves two opponents attempting to dominate one another. To overpower the other person, the competitor relies on different martial arts maneuvers, including kicking, punching, and throwing. Practitioners may employ movements from Muay Thai, kickboxing, and boxing in their efforts.

By contrast, boxing involves using only the hands and arms to throw punches. No other maneuvers are permitted.

What Are the Rules?

In boxing, the fight ends if one opponent is knocked down at least three times during the match. When the person is knocked down, they need to get back up on their own within 10 seconds. If they don’t, they forfeit the match.

MMA fighters depend on the referee to make the ultimate call. Even if a fighter is knocked down, the match might continue if they continue to move.

How Are Matches Arranged?

A standard MMA fight lasts for at least five minutes and encompasses three rounds. The goal is to exert control by knocking the other person out or overwhelming the opponent with such sheer power that they have no choice but to admit defeat.

Boxing rounds last for up to three minutes, with the possibility of reaching 12 rounds if one opponent isn’t knocked out first. If that doesn’t happen, the boxer who has scored the most by that point is declared the winner.

What Type of Ring Is Used?

One of the clearer differences between the two is the shape of the match ring. Boxers traditionally fight in a standard square. This may differ in size slightly but remains relatively the same shape.

MMA fighters hold matches in an octagon-shaped ring.

Are There Equipment Differences?

Both boxers and MMA fighters wear gloves to protect their hands. The former group uses larger gloves since the majority of the match revolves around throwing punches. These gloves vary in weight from light to heavy.

MMA combat involves wearing smaller gloves, which are lightweight compared to boxing equipment.

 

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