10 UFC Rules That Fighters And Fans Get Wrong All The Time

6. Definition Of A Grounded Opponent

The previous rule roles into this one which is the definition of a grounded opponent. According to the Unified Rules, a grounded opponent is a combatant who has more then just their feet on the ground. Essentially if someone has a hand on the ground they're grounded. If they have a knee on the floor they're grounded. If they are sitting down or on their back, they're grounded. This can actually be a little bit of a pain considering some fighters who don't want to get a knee to the head or face simple put their hand on the ground. At that point they are considered grounded and the referee is obligated to protect them. It's a frustrating situation, but it happens. There have been efforts to change the unified rules to give fighters more leeway on this issue, but it's far from ironed out. For now though the rules are the rules in this area.