What does the abbreviation MMA stand for in combat sports?

In combat sports, MMA stands for mixed martial arts.

Mixed martial arts is a full-contact sport that permits techniques from multiple combat disciplines. Competitors commonly combine striking systems such as boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai with grappling systems such as wrestling, judo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

The term describes the sport’s blended technical approach rather than one single traditional martial art. Fighters may stand and exchange punches and kicks, clinch against the cage, perform takedowns, or seek submissions on the ground. Modern MMA contests are governed by rules intended to protect athletes while preserving a broad range of techniques.

MMA is sometimes incorrectly treated as a synonym for the UFC. The UFC is a promotion that stages MMA events; mixed martial arts is the sport itself. Other major promotions include Bellator, ONE Championship, and Professional Fighters League.