Fighter safety takes centre stage in MMA world

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has taken the world by storm, with its high-energy matches and thrilling fights.

However, behind the excitement lies a darker reality – the devastating impact of injuries, particularly concussions, on fighters.

Paulshof has one of the country’s most well-known fighting arenas, the hexagon at the EFC Performance Institute, with many title fights leaving blood and sweat regularly staining the floor from bruised and beaten fighters.

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To shed light on this issue, Yaw Yeboah, founder of the Kick ’em in the Head podcast, has spoken out about the importance of prioritising fighter safety and concussion protocols.

According to Yeboah, the prevalence of injuries during training rather than fights highlights the need for proper training techniques, protective gear during practice, and avoiding overtraining. “Fighters need to be aware of their limits, use proper techniques, and listen to their bodies,” he said. “It’s crucial that we prioritise fighter safety and concussion protocols to prevent injuries.”

Yeboah also emphasised the importance of coaches, trainers, and cornermen in ensuring fighter safety. “They need to be well-educated in recognising signs of distress and injuries, providing proper training regimens, and making decisions in the fighter’s best interest.”

To mitigate risks, Yeboah recommends that fighters focus on defensive techniques, avoid excessive sparring, and have regular neurological assessments. He also emphasised the importance of standardised guidelines for assessment and recovery, thorough medical evaluations before returning to competition, and regular training for coaches.

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Common symptoms of concussion include headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Yeboah made it clear that these symptoms should be treated with immediate rest, medical evaluation, and a structured recovery plan.

A solid rehabilitation programme should include physical therapy, cognitive rest, gradual reintroduction to training, psychological support, and multidisciplinary approaches. Yeboah emphasised the importance of balancing training and recovery needs to ensure fighters are fully healed before returning to competition.

Yeboah’s insights into fighter safety and concussions highlight the urgent need for action in the MMA community. By prioritising fighter safety, educating coaches and trainers, and implementing standardised guidelines for assessment and recovery, the sport can work towards creating a safer environment for MMA fighters.

For more information or to get involved with the Kick ’em in the Head podcast, please contact Yaw Yeboah at headkickpod@green-edge.co.za.

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