The Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) has approved rule changes regarding the 12-to-6 elbow strike and the definition of a “downed fighter,” which will take effect on Nov. 1, pending adoption by individual athletic commissions.
A frustrating foul cost Jon Jones the only loss on his record. The definition surrounding a “downed fighter” has been changed following a vote by the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC).
On Tuesday, the ABC approved a couple of key rules changes. These will go into effect starting Nov. 1, although each athletic commission still needs to adopt them.
ABC president Mike Mazzulli confirmed the changes while speaking to MMA Fighting. This followed an initial report from Ariel Helwani on Twitter.
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The first rule change involved the 12-to-6 elbow. This means bringing an arm up straight and then down to land an elbow.
In the past, that exact move was illegal. It led to Jones’ fight against Matt Hamill being stopped in 2009 after he landed several such elbows.
When Hamill couldn’t continue due to damage, the referee disqualified Jones. This remains his only loss.
Now that problem won’t exist anymore.
Jones reacted quickly on Instagram after the rule changes were announced.
“Undefeated then, undefeated now,” Jones wrote. “Dana White, we gotta get that loss out of the history books.”
Meanwhile, there’s also a new definition for a “downed fighter.” This affects kicks or knees thrown to the head of an opponent.
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 contact with the canvas (ground).
Under the old rule, at least one hand had to be down along with any other body part touching the floor.
Technically it could be two hands touching the canvas—then no kicks or knees could be thrown to the head.
Based on this new rule? A fighter must have some body part on the canvas other than their hands or feet—a knee, elbow, etc.—to be considered downed.
Otherwise? Knees and kicks to the head are legal.
The rules changes were voted on and approved by a committee including California State Athletic Commission executive director Andy Foster and Nevada Athletic Commission executive director Jeff Mullen.
Officials like Marc Goddard, Herb Dean, and John McCarthy also participated.
The rules were approved on Tuesday but won’t take effect until Nov. 1.
This gives fighters and referees time to adapt along with proper training for officials.
As previously stated? The various athletic commissions also have to vote to adopt these new rules before any changes happen during fights.