2021 ISAKOS Biennial Congress ePoster
Injury Profile in American Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
Austin J Ross, BS, New Orleans, LA UNITED STATES
Bailey J Ross, BA, New Orleans, LA UNITED STATES
Tyler C Zeoli, BA, New Orleans, Louisiana UNITED STATES
Michael R Novack, MD, Menlo Park , California UNITED STATES
Symone M Brown, MPH, New Orleans, LA UNITED STATES
Mary K. Mulcahey, MD, Western Springs, IL UNITED STATES
Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, UNITED STATES
FDA Status Not Applicable
Summary
This retrospective review sought to analyze potential variance of injuries across multiple competition levels of mixed martial arts (MMA), and found that professional fighters and losers of MMA bouts exhibited higher injury rates relative to amateurs and winners.
ePosters will be available shortly before Congress
Abstract
Introduction
The popularity of mixed martial arts (MMA) continues to grow in the United States and abroad. The purpose of this study was to report injury rates and types in MMA and analyze potential variance of injuries between different competition levels, match outcomes, and match winners and losers.
Methods
A retrospective review of injuries sustained by fighters during MMA contests in 2018-2019 was performed using ringside physician post-match injury reports from Wisconsin and Arizona. Injury prevalence was compared between Arizona vs. Wisconsin, level of competition, match winners vs. losers, and match result. The prevalence of broader injury types was compared by state, competition level match result, and match winners vs. losers. Statistical analysis was performed using a Chi-square (x2) test with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results
In 502 contests, 285 (57%) had at least 1 reported injury. In these 285 matches, participants suffered 401 total injuries: 197 (49%) in professional bouts and 204 (51%) in amateur bouts. The match injury rate was higher in professional bouts than in amateur contests (68% vs. 51%, p < 0.001) (Table 1). Amateur fighters experienced more contusions and hematomas (31% vs. 22%, p < 0.001), while professional fighters experienced more lacerations (39% vs. 23%, p < 0.001). Losers exhibited a higher match injury rate than winners (48% vs. 24%, p<0.001). Winners experienced more fractures (19% vs. 9%, p = 0.005) and losers experienced more concussions (17% vs. 2%, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Professional fighters and losers of MMA bouts exhibited higher injury rates relative to amateurs and winners. The prevalence of specific injury types varied by competition level, match result, and match winners vs. losers. The results of this study may be used to better understand the current injury profile in MMA and to develop targeted strategies for injury prevention.