What types of fighting can you use in MMA? What are the most popular styles to use?

The name mixed martial arts (MMA) implies that it is a combat sport which incorporates a number of disciplines. 

This has led to the majority of the sport's biggest stars looking to specialise in a certain discipline in the hope of becoming a champion. 

More often than not this results in thrilling contests when two fighters meet in the cage and try to use their chosen disciplines to nullify each other's threats. 

The popular disciplines in MMA can be split into three categories, stand-up, clinch and ground, and DAZN breaks down these categories below. 

Which disciplines are classed as stand-up? 

The following disciplines fall under the stand-up category: 

• Boxing
• Kickboxing
• Muay Thai
• Karate
• Taekwondo
• Capoeira
• Combat Sambo
• Savate
• Sanda

These disciplines focus on improving stand-up striking. 

Which disciplines are classed as clinch? 

The following disciplines fall under the clinch category: 

• Judo
• Catch Wrestling
• Freestyle Wrestling
• Folkstyle
• Greco-Roman Wrestling
• Luta Livre
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
• Sando
• Sambo
• Muay Thai

All the above disciplines, besides Muay Thai, look to improve clinching, takedowns and throws. 

Muay Thai meanwhile is trained to improve the striking aspect of the clinch. 

Which disciplines are classed as ground?

The following disciplines fall under the ground category: 

• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
• Judo
• Sambo
• Folkstyle
• Freestyle Wrestling
• Greco-Roman Wrestling
• Catch Wrestling
• Luta Livre
• Submission Wrestling

These disciplines are trained to improve ground control and position, along with locking in submission holds and how to defend against them.