Rule change! 12-to-6 elbow rule finally eliminated, Jon Jones reacts

After much debate, one of the more controversial rules in mixed martial arts (MMA) has finally been authorized for elimination.

Ariel Helwani confirmed today (Tues., July 23, 2024) that the illegal 12-to-6 elbow strike will no longer be illegal as it’s been approved to change by the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC). The strike will officially no longer be illegal starting on November 1, 2024.

According to Helwani, the reason for the delay is to accommodate regulatory changes concerning states and tribes that are not incorporated by reference, as well as to ensure referees and ringside physicians receive adequate training.

In addition to the modification of the 12-to-6 elbow rule, the definition of a downed fighter will be revised. Consequently, fighters are prohibited from exploiting loopholes or becoming entangled in perplexing scenarios where they place a hand or palm on the mat while maintaining a “standing” position or keeping their knees elevated.

According to the change report, if any part of a fighter’s body other than their hands or feet is touching the canvas (ground), they will be regarded as grounded. In such a situation, it is illegal to knee or kick the fighter in the head.

The 12-to-6 elbow rule has most famously impacted fights like Jon Jones vs. Matt Hamill and Eddie Alvarez vs. Dustin Poirier 2. Jones’ lone loss in his 29-fight career (27-1, 1 no contest) came against Hamill after a dominant one round showing that resulted in a disqualification from 12-to-6 elbows from mount in 2009. Alvarez’s 12-to-6 elbow on Poirier didn’t receive the same treatment, as it landed on Poirier against the cage and led to a stand-up from an advantageous position. Therefore, leading to a Poirier technical knockout win shortly after.

Catching wind of the news, Jones reacted on Instagram.

“Undefeated then, undefeated now… Dana White we gotta get that loss out of the history books,” Jones said.