Section 3: Playing Area
MMA competition takes place inside an enclosed fighting area, most commonly an octagonal cage (commonly referred to as "The Octagon" in UFC events) or a traditional boxing ring. The specific dimensions and requirements for the fighting area are established by the sanctioning athletic commission.
The Octagon (UFC Standard)
- The UFC Octagon is a padded, fenced fighting area in the shape of a regular octagon.
- The Octagon measures approximately 30 feet (9.1 meters) in diameter across the interior.
- The fence surrounding the Octagon stands approximately 6 feet (1.8 meters) in height.
- The canvas floor is padded and stretched tightly to provide a firm, safe surface for competition.
- The fence is constructed of chain-link or similar material with a padded top rail to protect athletes from injury during contact with the fence.
General Fighting Area Standards
- The fighting area must be enclosed to prevent competitors from falling or being thrown out of the competition area during the bout.
- The floor must be padded and free of obstructions that could cause injury.
- The fighting area must be large enough to allow competitors to move freely and to safely conduct all phases of competition, including standing striking and ground grappling.
- Competitors are not permitted to throw or force an opponent out of the fighting area. Doing so constitutes a foul.
- The fence or ropes surrounding the fighting area may not be grabbed, held, or used for leverage by competitors during the bout. Holding the fence or ropes with fingers or toes is a foul.
Corners
Each competitor is assigned a designated corner of the fighting area where their coaching corner and seconds are stationed between rounds. Interference with the bout by a competitor's corner or seconds constitutes a foul and may result in disqualification of the competitor.