Has the 12-6 elbow rule in MMA been removed? Exploring the new approved changes to unified MMA rules

The Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports (ABC) officially removed the prohibition on twelve-to-six (12-6) elbow strikes from the MMA Unified Rules on Tuesday.

The ABC rules committee unanimously decided to no longer deem the controversial elbow strikes illegal, a rule that has been in place since the MMA Unified Rules were created in 2000. This new regulation will become effective on Nov. 1. While individual state athletic commissions must approve the change, it is anticipated that most will comply.

According to the ABC, 12-6 elbow strikes are defined as a "straight up, straight down strike" directed at a grounded opponent. To execute this move, the fighter raises their arm to the highest possible point (the 12 o'clock position) and then drives it downward with maximum force in a lateral line (the 6 o'clock position). Although there were various potential names for this strike, the chosen terminology was inspired by the positions on a clock face.

The ABC has also updated the definition of a "grounded opponent" in MMA. Under the unified rules, kicks and knees to the head of grounded opponents have always been prohibited. Previously, the rule stipulated that a fighter was considered grounded if the palm of one hand or any other body part was touching the canvas.

Now, a fighter is considered grounded and cannot be legally kneed or kicked to the head when any part of their body, except their hands or feet, is in contact with the canvas.

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Were there any disqualifications in the UFC due to 12-6 elbow strikes?

The most well-known instance of a 12-6 elbow in MMA features reigning UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. During the season 10 finale of 'The Ultimate Fighter' in December 2009, Jones delivered 12-6 elbow strikes to Matt Hamill at the 4:14 mark of the first round.

Despite Jones's commanding performance, referee Steve Mazzagatti intervened to halt the fight due to the then-illegal nature of the strike, marking the only blemish on Jones's record as a result of this disqualification.

'Bones' appealed the outcome to the Nevada Athletic Commission, but his attempt was unsuccessful. The loss was so contentious that the UFC made several efforts to have it overturned, all of which have been in vain.