Is it mandatory for UFC fighters to wear groin guards?

MMA is a type of sport that involves violence, brutality, and ruthlessness. It is even more on a typical level than where most UFC fighters are. Illegal strikes during a fight not only disrupt the pace but also pose a great risk to the long-term health of the fighters. Strikes to the eyes and strikes to the groin prove to be the most productive in terms of changing the course of the fight. While there are solutions to the problems of eye irritation, such as better glove design, wearing a cup or groin guard is the only way to protect this sensitive area.

New rules were drafted in 2001 

In its early years, the promotion was at its most brutal level, and fighters were expected to follow certain rules. However, groin strikes were made legal with UFC 2. But incidents such as the infamous Keith Hackney’s TKO victory over Joe Son through a groin strike significantly tarnished the sport’s image. When Dana White and Zuffa took control of the UFC in 2001, they drafted unified rules for MMA to bring the sport into the mainstream. According to these rules and several amendments that followed, strikes to the groin are considered for both male and female fighters.

To protect themselves from accidental or deliberate groin strikes, all male fighters are expected to wear groin protectors. However, female combatants are not permitted to wear any protective gear below the waist. Moreover, mouth guards are the only protective gear that fighters must use above the waist.

Fans reacted to the UFC 292 showdown 

Former middleweight champion Chris Weidman fought against Brad Tavares in a special preliminary bout for the UFC 292 PPV event. This was his first competitive appearance since suffering a leg break against Uriah Hall at UFC 261 in April 2021. Brad smashed a brutal leg kick and won the unanimous decision. However, the fight was stopped several times due to groin shots, mostly due to Taveres’ strategy of evading Weidman’s base. However, both fighters were on the receiving end.

Now several MMA enthusiasts reacted to the repeated foul on Twitter. One user stated that Brad faked a low blow and only leg kicked like a bitch, while the other wrote that both fighters trading groins was wild.

Also Read:- Dillon Danis vs. Logan Paul: know Date, time & more