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What is Guard in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)?

A ground position where the bottom fighter controls the top fighter between their legs. Far from passive — the guard player can attack submissions and sweeps — but judges tend to score the top fighter's control and strikes unless the bottom fighter threatens.

Example: She attacked three armbars off her back from full guard.

Related terms

OctagonGround and poundSubmissionTapoutTakedownDouble-leg takedownSingle-leg takedownSprawl
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