As of July 23, 2024, 12-6 elbows are NOT illegal in MMA under the Unified Rules. This rule changed after a vote by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports.
Explanation of 12-6 Elbows
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What they are: Think of a clock face. A 12-6 elbow strike involves bringing your elbow straight down from the 12 o'clock position to the 6 o'clock position.
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Rule Change: Until recently, these strikes were illegal due to perceived risk.
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Current Status: The Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports voted to remove these strikes from the list of banned techniques in the Unified MMA rules on July 23, 2024.
Current Illegal Elbows
While 12-6 elbows are now legal, other illegal strikes involving elbows exist under the unified rules of MMA. These are generally based on the specific rule set and promotion but can include (this is not an exhaustive list, and rules can vary):
- Elbow strikes to the back of the head
- Downward pointing elbow strikes to the spine
Always consult the specific rule set for the MMA promotion in question.
