What is the difference between MMA and Thai kickboxing?

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Thai kickboxing, also known as Muay Thai, are both combat sports but differ in several aspects:

1. Techniques: MMA incorporates a variety of martial arts techniques, including striking (boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai), grappling (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling), and submissions (Jiu-Jitsu, Judo). Muay Thai focuses primarily on striking techniques using fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
2. Rules: MMA allows a wider range of techniques and permits fighters to use both striking and grappling techniques, as long as they comply with the rules of the promotion. Muay Thai has its own set of rules, emphasizing striking techniques and allowing fighters to use elbows, knees, and clinching.
3. Fighting area: MMA fights typically take place in an octagonal cage or a boxing ring, while Muay Thai fights usually occur in a boxing ring.
4. Attire: MMA fighters wear fingerless gloves, shorts, and a rash guard or⬤

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport that incorporates techniques from various disciplines such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, boxing, Muay Thai, and others. Fighters can use a wide range of striking and grappling techniques both standing and on the ground.

Thai kickboxing, also known as Muay Thai, is a stand-up striking martial art and combat sport that originated in Thailand. It focuses on using punches, kicks, elbow strikes, and knee strikes, along with clinching techniques.

The main difference lies in their scope and rulesets. MMA allows a broader range of techniques including striking, grappling, and submissions, both standing and on the ground, while Thai kickboxing primarily focuses on striking techniques and clinch work. Additionally, MMA matches are usually held in a cage or ring, whereas Muay Thai matches typically occur in a ring.