Watch UFC referee Mike Beltran explain the new rules set to be introduced Nov 1 in fascinating two-minute video
10/02/2024 08:01 AM
October might have only just started, but MMA fans are already looking ahead to November 1 as two major rule changes are set to be implemented into the unified rules.
Luckily, these two new rule changes are pretty easy to understand, with veteran referee Mike Beltran now sharing an all-important two-minute-long video that explains how these new changes will be enforced.
Mike Beltran explains the new rules set to be introduced to the UFC
Mike Beltran is one of the most experienced referees in the entire sport of MMA, having officiated countless fights across not only the UFC, but a multitude of different promotions around the world.
In a video shared to the California State Athletic Commission’s social media pages, Beltran would offer fans a simple and easy-to-understand breakdown of the two new rule changes coming November 1.
"There are two major changes in the unified rules that I'm going to cover [in this video]," Beltran explained with the help of former UFC star Urijah Faber and 25-year-old welterweight prospect Sczar Charles.
"First off is going to be kicking or kneeing to the head of a grounded opponent… As of November 1, what's going to be considered to be legal is going to be a grounded opponent with one hand placed down.
"If [a fighter] decides to kick or knee to the head [when there's one hand down], that is going to be legal on November 1, per the unified rules."
"Both hands or one hand down, it doesn't matter; that is legal," stated the veteran referee, sharing how it's only when a fighter is down on one knee, "that kick or knee to the head will be considered a foul [as] that is a grounded fighter.
"If a fighter is on his knee or his butt, or if his forearm touches the ground, or on his back, that is considered to be a grounded opponent and therefore, it is illegal to kick or knee to the head."
As the demonstration video played, the CSAC would also display the new official definition of the change.
"Part 1: A fighter shall be considered grounded and may not be legally kneed or kicked to the head when any part of their body other than their hands or feet is in contract with the canvas (ground)."
The second rule change coming into effect from November 1 will be the infamous 12-to-6 elbows; the same strike that once cost current heavyweight champion Jon Jones his undefeated record.
"Also, a new change is going to be the 12 o'clock to six o'clock North-South [elbow] – this rule is now also taken out of the unified rules.
"As of November 1, that is going to be a legal blow; North-South elbow, November 1 that rule to the head or the body, as long as you are targeting a legal area, is now considered to be legal."
According to the shown definition: "Part 2: The 12-to-6 elbow is now legal for combatants to use as a striking technique."
Ironically, Jon Jones could be one of the first UFC fighters to utilize the now-legal elbow strike, with his UFC 309 heavyweight title clash with Stipe Miocic scheduled for just two weeks later on November 16.
- November 2 – UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Albazi in Edmonton, Canada
- November 9 – UFC Fight Night at The Apex, Las Vegas
- November 16 – UFC 309: Jones vs Miocic at Madison Square Garden, New York
How long do you think it'll take for a 12-to-6 elbow to land in the UFC and what do you think of the rule change around grounded opponents coming this November 1?
