Metrics Used in Mixed Martial Arts

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a sport that combines various fighting techniques and disciplines, making it one of the most complex and dynamic combat sports.

I still remember the first time I watched MMA. I was young and went to the local video store called Video Village with my friends. There we rented a VHS tape of UFC 1 and watched Royce Gracie dominate the tournament.  Please don’t call me old.

I couldn’t quite grasp what made him so good. What was happening in terms of technique? I was hooked but clueless at the same time.

Anyway, nowadays, to understand and analyze MMA fighters’ performances, numerous MMA metrics and statistics are often used. These MMA metrics not only help in evaluating fighters’ skills and strategies but also play a crucial role in betting, coaching, and fan engagement. In this article, we will dive into a few key MMA metrics used and their significance.

Striking Metrics

Striking is one of the most fundamental aspects of MMA, with fighters relying on punches, kicks, elbows, and knees to not only score points but also to break their opponents’ defenses and secure a win. In the fast-paced world of MMA, understanding a fighter’s striking ability goes beyond just watching them land punches—it’s about analyzing the precision, volume, and effectiveness of each strike. Striking metrics help break down a fighter’s technique and effectiveness, offering a deeper understanding of how they approach an opponent. The following are critical MMA metrics related to striking:

Significant Strikes Landed:

This MMA metric counts the number of significant strikes a fighter lands on their opponent. Significant strikes are those that have a substantial impact, usually defined as strikes landed from a standing position or while the fighter is on the ground.

Significant Strikes Attempted:

This MMA metric measures the total number of significant strikes a fighter attempts during a fight. It includes both successful and unsuccessful attempts.

Striking Accuracy:

Calculated as the percentage of significant strikes landed divided by the total significant strikes attempted. High accuracy indicates a fighter’s precision and effectiveness in striking.

Significant Strikes per Minute (SSpM):

This statistic measures the average number of significant strikes a fighter lands per minute during a bout. Significant strikes are defined as those that have a meaningful impact on the fight, typically including punches, kicks, elbows, and knees that land cleanly on the opponent, excluding non-scoring strikes like glancing blows or strikes to the back of the head. This metric helps assess a fighter’s offensive pace and aggression during a fight.

Strikes Absorbed per Minute (SApM):

This MMA metric indicates the average number of strikes a fighter absorbs per minute. Lower SApM suggests better defensive skills.

Striking Defense:

Represented as a percentage, this MMA metric shows the rate at which a fighter successfully avoids or blocks their opponent’s strikes. It is calculated as the number of opponent’s strikes that fail to land divided by the total strikes thrown by the opponent.

Where to Obtain MMA Striking Information

You can obtain information on various striking metrics per fight from websites such as:

1. UFC Stats (official stats from the UFC): ufcstats.com
2. FightMetric (part of UFC Stats, detailed fight data): fightmetric.com

Example Fight Analysis

Let’s use UFC Stats to analyze a specific fight. Here is an example of how to find and analyze the data:

Example Fight: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor (UFC 229)

1. Visit UFC Stats: Go to ufcstats.com.
2. Search for the Fight: Use the search bar to find “Khabib”. Typically, entering Mcgregor or Khabib the search bar should give you various fight results, then select card of the fight in question – “UFC 229: Khabib vs. McGregor”.
3. Navigate to the Fight Details: Click on the link for UFC 229: Khabib vs. McGregor then click again on the actual fight instance on the entire card to see detailed stats.

Detailed Analysis

Here’s a quick breakdown of significant strikes landed from the fight:

Khabib Nurmagomedov:

Total Significant Strikes Landed: 70

Total Significant Strikes Attempted: 119

Striking Accuracy: 58%

Conor McGregor:

Total Significant Strikes Landed: 51

Total Significant Strikes Attempted: 81

Striking Accuracy: 62%

You can also glance at the above strikes as to when they occurred per round.

You can see that Khabib had a large advantage while striking from the ground (Khabib’s ground strikes were 45 landed of 63 attempted while McGregor was 6 of 6).  You could see that Conor’s busiest round in terms of strikes thrown was Round 3, where he landed 34 out of 52 significant strikes.

By analyzing these metrics, we can understand each fighter’s performance and strategy. This fight demonstrates Khabib’s dominance through consistent significant strikes and ground control, leading to his victory.

Grappling Metrics

Grappling involves techniques such as takedowns, submissions, and ground control. Key MMA metrics for grappling include:

Takedowns Landed:

The total number of successful takedowns executed by a fighter. Takedowns can significantly influence the control and pace of a fight.

Takedown Accuracy:

Calculated as the percentage of successful takedowns divided by the total takedown attempts. Higher accuracy indicates better execution of takedown techniques.

Takedown Defense:

The percentage of opponents’ takedown attempts that a fighter successfully defends against. Effective takedown defense is crucial for fighters who prefer to stay on their feet.

Submission Attempts:

This MMA metric counts the number of submission attempts made by a fighter. Submission attempts can end a fight or score points if they put the opponent in a vulnerable position.

Ground Control Time:

The total time a fighter spends controlling their opponent on the ground. Dominant ground control can influence judges’ scoring and exhaust the opponent.

Example Fight Analysis Using Grappling Metrics

Let’s use UFC Stats to analyze grappling metrics for a specific fight:

Example Fight: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Dustin Poirier (UFC 242)

Visit UFC Stats: Go to ufcstats.com.

Search for the Fight: Use the search bar to find the Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Dustin Poirier match.

Navigate to the Fight Details: Click on the link for UFC 242: Khabib vs. Poirier to see detailed stats.

Detailed Analysis

Here’s a breakdown of grappling metrics from the fight:

Khabib Nurmagomedov:

Total Takedowns Landed: 7

Total Takedown Attempts: 8

Takedown Accuracy: 87.5%

Submission Attempts: 2

Ground Control Time: 8:52

Takedowns by Round:

Round 1: 3 of 4

Round 2: 3 of 3

Round 3: 1 of 1

Dustin Poirier:

Total Takedowns Landed: 0

Total Takedown Attempts: 1

Takedown Defense: 12.5%

Submission Attempts: 0

Ground Control Time: 0:00

Analysis

Takedown Efficiency:

Khabib had a high takedown accuracy of 87.5%, successfully landing 7 out of 8 takedown attempts.

Poirier struggled with takedown defense, successfully defending only 12.5% of Khabib’s takedown attempts.

Ground Control:

Khabib demonstrated exceptional ground control, amassing 8 minutes and 52 seconds of control time.

Poirier had no ground control time, indicating Khabib’s dominance in grappling throughout the fight.

Submission Attempts:

Khabib made 2 submission attempts, showcasing his submission skills and constantly threatening Poirier on the ground.

By analyzing these grappling metrics, we can see Khabib’s dominance in the grappling department, which played a crucial role in his victory. His ability to secure takedowns and maintain ground control was pivotal in dictating the pace and outcome of the fight.

Clinch Metrics

The clinch is a close-range standing position where fighters grapple and attempt to control each other. Clinch metrics include:

Clinch Strikes Landed:

The number of strikes a fighter lands while in the clinch position. These strikes are typically short-range punches, elbows, knees, and kicks.

Clinch Control Time:

The total time a fighter maintains control in the clinch. Effective clinch control can wear down an opponent and set up takedowns or strikes.

Fight Outcome Metrics

Metrics related to the outcomes of fights are also essential for performance analysis:

Win/Loss Record:

The total number of wins and losses a fighter has accumulated. This basic MMA metric provides an overview of a fighter’s career success.

Finish Rate:

The percentage of fights a fighter wins by knockout (KO), technical knockout (TKO), or submission. A high finish rate indicates a fighter’s ability to decisively end fights.

Decision Wins:

The number of fights a fighter wins by judges’ decision. Decision wins can indicate technical skill and the ability to control the fight over the entire duration.

Knockdowns:

The total number of times a fighter has knocked down their opponent. Knockdowns are significant as they can lead to finishes or greatly influence judges’ scoring.

Additional Performance Metrics

There are a number of other MMA metrics that provide deeper insight into a fighters performance and overall strategy. Some of these stats are listed below.

Fight Time:

The total duration of a fighter’s bouts. Shorter fight times can indicate a propensity for quick finishes, while longer fight times may suggest endurance and tactical fighting.

Round-by-Round Analysis:

Metrics that break down performance by each round, such as strikes landed, takedowns, and control time per round. This analysis helps in understanding a fighter’s consistency and adaptability during a fight.

Effective Aggressiveness:

A qualitative MMA metric that considers how effectively a fighter presses the action and controls the pace of the fight. It includes factors like forward movement and strike frequency.

Cage Control:

The ability to control the center of the octagon and dictate the fight’s location. Good cage control limits the opponent’s movement and scoring opportunities.

Conclusion

MMA metrics are crucial for sports bettors to make informed decisions. Detailed fight data helps in assessing fighters’ capabilities, predicting outcomes, and identifying potential value in betting odds.

The use of MMA metrics has transformed the way the sport is analyzed and understood. From striking accuracy to takedown defense, each metric provides valuable insights into a fighter’s performance and strategy.

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