Why are headbutts illegal in MMA?

**Syphilis** · Posted On: 8/01/2011 3:06pm

I didn't know where to put this.

With the surge of wrestlers that are getting into MMA, and the increase also in takedown defense, we see a lot more grinding people into the cage. Hell, it's happened to me ( :( ). Most wrestlers spend the time with their head jamming up their opponents chin/neck, but it generally seems like a stalling technique in the cage.

Now, if headbutts were legal, that whole wall grind tactic suddenly has a lot more avenues opened up. (You'll also see people headbutting people in their guard but w/e)

So why IS headbutting illegal?

Cons :
-hard to train full contact headbutting
-risky manouvre if you're the one doing it
-????

Pro's
-Randy Couture would be valid again.

:ExcitedTroll::ExcitedTroll:

**Ke?poFist** · Posted On: 8/01/2011 3:14pm

Basically because headbutting leads to cutting, as opposed to there being legitimate life and death implications. Cutting = more stoppages = booing crowds = less $$$

**Iainkelt** · Posted On: 8/01/2011 3:30pm

Originally Posted by Ke?poFist

Basically because headbutting leads to cutting, as opposed to there being legitimate life and death implications. Cutting = more stoppages = booing crowds = less $$$

Bingo. That and anything where you are seeing an additional means of head trauma being introduced probably isn't going to be super popular these days, even if it's arguably no more dangerous (in terms of lasting as opposed to cosmetic damage) than any other similar kind of strike.

**alex** · Posted On: 8/01/2011 3:36pm

yeah from what i know it basically comes down to cutting, this is also why elbows are a tricky one with a lot of orgs too. elbows usually just end up cutting people, which isnt that fun to watch.

**TheMightyMcClaw** · Posted On: 8/01/2011 3:45pm

I feel like there's a cultural element to it, as well; when the UFC was trying to clean up it's image by adding gloves, more fouls, and so on, they took headbutts out because headbutting just seems crude. An elbow, at least, looks like a "martial arts" move to an untrained eye, but a headbutt has stronger associations of a street fight or a brawl.

**Devil** · Posted On: 8/01/2011 3:51pm

For the same reason nut shots and biting aren't allowed - the UFC wanted MMA to be recognized as a legitimate sport and no sanctioning body is going to play ball if you have guys in there headbutting each other.

***Tranquil Suit*** · Posted On: 8/01/2011 4:36pm

Elbows cause more cuts than headbutts...

Headbutts add so much variety to very close range strikes, grabbing for clinch, clinch itself, GnP, remove several 'safe' resting positions.

P.S. Headbutting is how I got into fighting in the first place, so it has a special place in my head and butt.

**Super8astard** · Posted On: 8/01/2011 5:06pm

The "why can they do this but not that" question can only lead to more stress. The short answer for why something that's not as dangerous as it seems is not allowed is always sanctioning.

**Zerstörer90** · Posted On: 8/01/2011 5:10pm

Originally Posted by devil

For the same reason nut shots and biting aren't allowed - the UFC wanted MMA to be recognized as a legitimate sport and no sanctioning body is going to play ball if you have guys in there headbutting each other.

^^ This. Headbutting is absolutely associated as a "cheap shot" for some reason. But also using your head as a weapon could have health side effects couldn't it? i mean if you grind out wins in the ring by TKO via repeated headbutts you are probably only worsening your chances of getting brain damage due to head impacts. Which is atleast a problem for boxers, I could see it also being a problem here.