Comparisons of Time-motion Analysis of Mixed Martial Arts Rounds by Weight Divisions

• Published in: International journal of performance analysis in sport Vol. 15; no. 3; pp. 1189 - 1201
• Main Authors: Miarka, Bianca, Coswig, Victor Silveira, Vecchio, Fabrício B.D., Brito, Ciro José, Amtmann, John
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 01.12.2015
• Subjects: Martial Arts; Statistical analysis; Task Performance and Analysis; Time and Motion Studies
• ISSN: 2474-8668; 1474-8185; 1474-8185
• DOI: 10.1080/24748668.2015.11868861

This study aimed to compare time-motion analysis between weight divisions in male fighters and rounds of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The sample consisted of 2097 bouts separated by weight divisions (Flyweight n=114, Bantamweight n=224, Featherweight n=286, Lightweight n=450, Welterweight n=390, Middleweight n=316, Light heavyweight n=167, Heavyweight n=150) of 2012-2014 UFC™ events. The time-motion variables were categorized into low or high-intensity, stand-up or groundwork situations by round. Effects of weight divisions were observed and the main results showed that, in the 1 st round, the heavyweights (212.4±101.5s) presented with a shorter effort time than all other weight divisions (257.6±79.9s); in the 2 nd round, the bantamweight competitors (132.8±90.9s) presented with the shortest total effort time (171.7±81.5s); in the 3 rd round, the shortest total effort time was in the heavyweight division (246.3±89.1s) again, with the other weight divisions showing variable effort times, including: welterweight (289.6±42.3s), lightweight (280.3±57.3s), featherweight (281.4±58s), bantamweight (285.6±47.2s), flyweight (287.7±43.8s) and middleweight (268.3±72.2s). The present data suggest a focus on the intermittent demands presented in the various combat phases in MMA. Additionally, strength and conditioning coaches should pay particular attention to the high and low effort ratios for both standing and ground combat to most effectively condition their athletes.