ILLEGAL MMA
TECHNIQUES AND FOULS
FOR THE
STATE OF
ILLINOIS

Illinois Department Of Financial And Professional Regulation
Division Of Professional Regulation
Illinois State Professional Boxing Board
MMA Fouls Defined

Upon intensive research of the leading Sanctioning bodies of Martial Arts/Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)/Kickboxing, as well as some of the top leading Boxing/Athletic Commissions throughout the United States, The Illinois State Professional Boxing Board has compiled a uniform and comprehensive list of possible fouls. Please be advised that The Illinois State Professional Boxing Board's Act/Rules in accordance with the list of fouls (provisions) below, take precedence over any sanctioning body. The following is a list of fouls to be adhered to during any contest or exhibition in the State of Illinois, for the purpose of all MMA bouts:

1. flagrant disregard of the referee's instructions;
2. engaging in any unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to an opponent;
3. biting or spitting;
4. eye gouging, finger strikes or rakes;
5. groin techniques/attacks of any kind;
6. clawing, pinching or twisting of the flesh;
7. throat strikes of any kind, including without limitation, grabbing the trachea;
8. one or two-handed chokes;
9. grabbing of the clavicle;
10. fish hooking of the mouth or putting a finger into any open orifice (cuts/lacerations);
11. striking the spine or back of neck/head;
12. point of elbow strikes;
13. forearm strikes (non explosive pressure, such as a push, is allowed)
14. butting with the head;
15. kicking the front of the knee;
16. kicking, kneeing or stomping of a downed/grounded opponent;
17. clubbing blows w/both hands;
18. hair pulling;
19. small joint manipulation;
20. holding on to fence/ropes;
21. holding and hitting;
22. throwing an opponent out of fenced area or ring;
23. spiking an opponent to the canvas on their head or back of neck;
24. intentionally delaying the contest due to improper equipment, or by intentionally dropping or spitting out the mouthpiece;
25. attacking an opponent on or during a break;
26. attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee;
27. using abusive language in the ring/cage;
28. interference by the corner;

These "Fouls" are "Illegal" moves/techniques, not to be used in the State of Illinois. A Foul is always going to be at the discretion of the referee. He/she will make the determination, but not be limited to, the intent of the fighter and the result of the foul. Then, he/she will have to consider whether to allow the fouled fighter time to recuperate (if able to continue), and either to give a warning to the opponent that committed the foul and/or deduct a point, disqualify, stop the bout.

Back to ISCF Fouls page click HERE. - Back to ISCF Rules Page click HERE.