Clarificaiton Please!

Well, the difference, mainly, between professional and amateur MMA is the skill level. That's one difference.

Another is that for many amateur organizations they require the use of shin guards and often helmets, which is kind of non-sensical.

The pay is often significantly less and, well...the requirements for competing at an amateur level are probably almost non-existant.

It's probably similar to anything else that has a distinction between amateur and professional in terms of combative athletics.

 

i have been trying to figure this out as well but if im not mistaken you wear shinguards and elbows are illegal and other strikes on the ground i think. Not sure though.

 

Ah, yes. My apologies. I did forget that part. The illegality of some of the more common techniques. Some are even prohibited in professional avenues, but it's not uncommon for an amateur organization to not allow elbows to a grounded opponent, or to even not allow some types of strikes. It's really bizarre. Kind of like the head-gear/shin-guard rule.

 

Not a problem at all, sir. Happy to answer any reasonable questions that I'm able to. And thanks to evalistinho for his input as well.

 

Here in oz there's no legislation regarding amatuer (or even pro) MMA so what is considered an amauter bout can range from pankration fights where shin pads are to be worn and only open hand strikes allowed to the head or a fight with pro rules but with less pay, simply depends on the promoter. Some promoters have the amatuers agree to what they will and won't allow (elbows, knees etc) before the fight.

The amatuer system (or lack of system) really needs to be addressed IMO, if the UFC was serious about growing the sport they should be pushing for a unified set of rules for amatuer bouts.

 

:rofl