4 ms·

Meh, other rulesets like Pride, Strikeforce, Bellator let similar skillsets rise to the top as well - as do other similar full-contact low-rule MAs like combat

• madhadron 9y ago
  The rules aren't arbitrary, they just reflect different settings and priorities. UFC and its kindred disallow downward strikes to the back of the head, which makes many grappling entries safe that would otherwise be far too risky to use. Given that it began as a showcase for a mix of grappling and striking, that was perfectly sensible. Sanshou allows throws and locks, but no going to the ground. Outside of a ring or octagon, that's a very reasonable precaution for keeping the fighters safe. Elbows and knees are forbidden in amateur muay thai but allowed in professional because of the level of risk considered acceptable. The most instructive study for this kind of thing I know is the progression of rules in western boxing, which used to involve kicks, wrestling, throws, and weapons. It was steadily narrowed down for safety reasons. Then for fun, go contrast the rulesets and techniques adapted to them with, say, Fairbain and Sykes or Rex Applegate's combatives.