With two title fights, UFC 316 has an important change in the rules

Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley in the face for the UFC 316 (Photo: Reproduction)

Led by two belt disputes in the bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg) for men and women, the UFC 316, which takes place this Saturday (7), will have important changes in the rules. 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 the UFC 316, the New Jersey Athletic Commission has NOT adopted the unified rules for MMA. Fighters with one or two hands on the canvas will be considered down and elbows 12-6 will be illegal,” the reporter reported.

The new guidelines, approved by the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC), now allow vertical, top-down elbow strikes — the famous 12-6 —, responsible for the only defeat of Jon Jones on the professional record in 2009. The rule also changed the concept of 'fallen fighter': now, just one hand on the ground is not enough to prevent blows such as kicks or knees to the head; another part of the body must be touching the ground.

Despite this, for reasons of autonomy, each Athletic Commission can decide whether or not to adopt the new rules. In the case of UFC 316, the New Jersey Commission chose to maintain the old regulations, which directly impact the strategy and safety of athletes in action this weekend.