Headlined by two bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg) men's and women's title fights, UFC 316 , which takes place this Saturday (7), will have important rule changes. According to information initially released by journalist Aaron Bronsteter, the New Jersey Athletic Commission will not adopt the unified MMA rules.
In practice, this means that the event will not follow the updates approved in November 2024, especially regarding the definition of 'downed fighter' and the legalization of 12-6 elbows.
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"For UFC 316 , the New Jersey Athletic Commission has NOT adopted the unified MMA rules. Fighters with one or two hands on the canvas will be considered downed, and 12-6 elbows will be illegal," the reporter informed.
The new guidelines, approved by the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC), now allow downward, vertical elbow strikes—the famous 12-6—responsible for Jon Jones ' only professional loss in 2009. The rule also changed the concept of a 'downed fighter': now, just one hand on the ground is not enough to stop strikes like kicks or knees to the head; another part of the body must be touching the ground.
Despite this, due to autonomy issues, each Athletic Commission can decide whether or not to adopt the new rules. In the case of UFC 316 , the New Jersey Commission opted to maintain the old regulations, which directly impacts the strategy and safety of the athletes in action this weekend.
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