Martial Arts in the United States Ncbi

. 2021 Mar 24;9(3):2325967121991560.

doi: 10.1177/2325967121991560. eCollection 2021 Mar.

Injury Profile of Mixed Martial Arts Competitions in the United States

Affiliations

PMID: 33855092
PMCID: PMC8010826
DOI: 10.1177/2325967121991560

Free PMC article

Injury Profile of Mixed Martial Arts Competitions in the United States

Austin J Ross et al. Orthop J Sports Med. 2021 .

Free PMC article

Abstract

Background: The popularity of mixed martial arts (MMA) continues to grow in the United States. Although prior work has provided valuable insight concerning injuries in the sport, much of the available literature is limited by factors such as small sample sizes, varying athlete demographics, and inconsistent data collection methods.

Purpose: To report injury rates and types in MMA and analyze potential variance between competition and match variables.

Study design: Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of injuries sustained by fighters during MMA contests between 2018 and 2019 using ringside physician postmatch injury reports from Wisconsin and Arizona. The prevalence of overall injuries and specific injury types was compared by location (Arizona vs Wisconsin), competition level (amateur vs professional), match result (decisions vs any other result), and match winners versus losers.

Results: In 503 contests, 285 (57%) had at least 1 injury. In these 285 matches, participants experienced 401 injuries: 197 (49%) in professional bouts and 204 (51%) in amateur bouts. The match injury rate was higher in professional bouts than in amateur contests (68% vs 51%; P < .001). Amateur fighters had more contusions and hematomas (31% vs 22%; P < .001), while professional fighters had more lacerations (39% vs 23%; P < .001). Losers exhibited a higher match injury rate than winners (48% vs 24%; P < .001). Winners experienced a higher proportion of fractures (19% vs 9%; P = .005), and losers experienced more concussions (17% vs 2%; P < .001).

Conclusion: Professional fighters and losers of MMA bouts exhibited higher injury rates relative to amateurs and winners. The prevalence of specific injury types varied by competition level, match result, and match winners versus losers. The results of this study may be used to better understand the current injury profile in MMA and to develop targeted strategies for injury prevention.

Keywords: epidemiology; general sports trauma; martial arts; medical aspects of sports.

Conflict of interest statement

One or more of the authors has declared the following potential conflict of interest or source of funding: M.K.M. has received education payments from Arthrex, Alon Medical Technology, Quest Medical; nonconsulting fees from Arthrex; and hospitality payments from Zimmer Biomet. AOSSM checks author disclosures against the Open Payments Database (OPD). AOSSM has not conducted an independent investigation on the OPD and disclaims any liability or responsibility relating thereto.