UFC Edmonton to Debut ABC’s New Unified Rules, Legalizing 12-6 Elbows and Redefining Grounded Opponent Rule

Jon Jones hitting with downward elbows

The UFC’s upcoming Fight Night 246 in Edmonton, Canada, will mark a historic debut as the new unified rules set by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combat Sports (ABC) are officially introduced. Set to take place Saturday at Rogers Place, this will be the first UFC event to incorporate these long-anticipated changes, confirmed by Edmonton Combative Sports Commission executive director Forrest Gavins earlier this week.

These new regulations were approved at the ABC’s annual conference this past July and will modernize two highly debated areas of MMA. ABC president Mike Mazzulli’s recent bulletin highlighted the adjustments, especially the revised “grounded opponent” rule and the newly sanctioned use of downward, or "12-to-6," elbow strikes.

Under the updated grounded opponent rule, a fighter will be considered grounded and protected from head strikes if any part of their body other than their hands or feet touches the canvas. The rule aims to eliminate ambiguity around when a fighter can legally be struck in these vulnerable positions. It also seeks to prevent fighters from manipulating the rules by repeatedly placing a hand on and off the ground to halt their opponent’s offensive efforts, which often leads to disputes and confusion.

The legalization of the 12-to-6 elbow strike has also been a long time coming. Previously banned under the assumption that a vertical, downward elbow strike carried a higher risk of injury than an angled elbow, recent analysis indicates that the danger level is comparable. Notably, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ only loss came as a result of a disqualification due to the now-legal 12-to-6 elbow, a decision that has sparked criticism from fans, UFC president Dana White, and commission members alike.

While each state and country’s athletic commission must individually adopt these rules, many, including Nevada and California, are already moving to align their regulations with the ABC’s standards. California recently released a PSA video to help fighters, coaches, and fans understand the significance of the rule changes and their impact on competition.

The updated unified rules, debuting Nov. 2, represent a significant step toward clarity and fairness in MMA. By addressing longstanding controversies and introducing a more universally applicable standard, these changes aim to enhance safety and transparency in the octagon.