I am honored to have been a member of the Association of Boxing Commissions MMA Rules Committee that has successfully amended the ABC Unified Rules for Professional MMA at the Annual Conference this week. Two important changes will soon be instituted nationwide.

1. The removal of the downward pointing elbow strike (12 to 6) as a foul.
And
2. While it remains illegal to knee strike or kick the head of a downed (grounded) fighter, the definition of a downed fighter has been changed to:

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).
I’d like to thank Committee Chairman, Mr. Andy Foster for the continuing opportunity to contribute to this very important process impacting the future of our sport and the best interest of our athletes and officials.