Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat spot that incorporates striking, footwork, and grappling techniques from boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai. Many MMA fighters also blend techniques from judo, karate, kung fu, kickboxing, and other martial arts.
Mixed martial arts competitions take place in an octagon-shaped ring, sometimes called a "cage", with fighters competing against others in their weight class. Fighters are free to punch, kick, knee, elbow, slam, and grapple their opponents. However, for safety purposes, biting, eye gouging, head butting, and certain other moves are against the rules.