SUJU MMA
| First played | In development (pilot testing) |
|---|---|
| Registered players | SUJU MMA, LLC |
| Characteristics | |
| Contact | Kiryako Sharikas |
| Venue | The Mound (competition platform) |
| Presence | |
| Country or region | United States |
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SUJU MMA is a proposed hybrid combat-sport format developed in Richmond, Virginia. It is built around center control and ring-outs on a circular fight surface called The Mound, which features a flat center ring and a surrounding sloped outer ring. The ruleset includes a mid-round “state change” mechanic in which striking becomes legal after a qualifying center ring-out or other trigger, depending on the rules variation.[1][2][3]
Background and development
According to an official competition rules document dated June 5, 2025, SUJU MMA was described as a proposed martial-arts format intended for pilot testing and eventual sanctioning alignment, with a focus on spectator clarity and athlete safety.[4][5]
The SUJU MMA website has also published calls for coaches, referees, fighters, and other combat-sport professionals to participate in rule testing and standardization, including the formation of a rules and regulations advisory committee.[6][7]
Competition surface
SUJU MMA is designed for a circular platform environment rather than a fenced cage or roped ring. The Mound is described as having a flat center ring (commonly described as 3–4 meters in diameter) and a sloped outer ring intended to create an “edge-risk” dynamic and make ring-outs clear and decisive.[8][9]
Published technical descriptions for a padded/vinyl mat version describe a sloped perimeter in the range of approximately 2–5 degrees with a rise of roughly 10–20 cm and outer diameter configurations described around 7 m or 9 m (depending on setup), while keeping a consistent center zone concept.[10]
Rules and format
Round start and “state change”
Rounds are described as beginning with both fighters facing off in the center ring, emphasizing stand-up grappling, pushing/pulling exchanges, and attempts to force an opponent out of the center area. In the standard rules concept, no strikes are permitted during the initial faceoff phase, while open-hand thrusts (sumo-style) may be permitted.[11]
After a qualifying center ring-out or other trigger (depending on the published variation), the referee calls “Fight” and striking becomes legal, changing the tactical incentives around controlling space and avoiding the platform edge.[12]
Scoring and outcomes
SUJU MMA’s published materials describe scoring that emphasizes takedowns/sweeps and ring-outs, with platform ring-outs typically scoring heavily and, in some formats, ending rounds or affecting match outcomes.[13]
The official rules document also describes a point system that includes awards for takedowns/sweeps and for forcing an opponent out of defined rings, with outer ring-outs valued highest in the example scoring model.[14]
Equipment
Published equipment guidance includes standardized shorts, mouthguards, groin protection, and MMA gloves (commonly referenced as 4 oz), with additional protective equipment potentially required during early pilot testing depending on the event format.[15][16]
Variations
The SUJU MMA website presents the format as a platform for multiple competitive rule variations, including:
- SUJU Tekken, described as a punches-only striking variation, with a “bare knuckle option” described as a pilot concept after further testing.[17]
- SUJU Jitsu, described as a grappling-oriented variation that may allow limited submission attempts under constraints, depending on the pilot ruleset.[18][19]
- Dirt/clay mound competition, described as a separate environment concept from the padded mat due to differences in traction, footing, and safety constraints.[20]
Organization
The project is presented publicly under SUJU MMA, LLC, with listed location in Richmond, Virginia.[21]
See also
References
- ↑ "SUJU MMA: The World's Newest Hybrid Combat Sport". SUJU MMA. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ↑ "SUJU MMA Rules & Variations". SUJU MMA. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ↑ "SUJU MMA FAQs". SUJU MMA. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ↑ "SUJU MMA: Official Competition Rules (Version 1.0)". SUJU MMA. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ↑ SUJU MMA: Official Competition Rules (Version 1.0) (Report). SUJU MMA (primary source). June 5, 2025.
- ↑ "Help Test SUJU MMA (Fighters, Coaches, Trainers)". SUJU MMA. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ↑ "Rules & Regulations Advisory Committee". SUJU MMA. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ↑ "The Mound (SUJU MMA Fight Platform)". SUJU MMA. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ↑ "SUJU MMA FAQs". SUJU MMA. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ↑ SUJU MMA Mat – Patent Filing Package (primary source) (Report). SUJU MMA.
- ↑ "SUJU MMA FAQs". SUJU MMA. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ↑ "SUJU MMA Rules & Variations". SUJU MMA. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ↑ "SUJU MMA Rules & Variations". SUJU MMA. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ↑ SUJU MMA: Official Competition Rules (Version 1.0) (primary source) (Report). SUJU MMA. June 5, 2025.
- ↑ "SUJU MMA Rules & Variations". SUJU MMA. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ↑ "SUJU MMA FAQs". SUJU MMA. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ↑ "SUJU MMA Rules & Variations". SUJU MMA. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ↑ "SUJU MMA Rules & Variations". SUJU MMA. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ↑ "SUJU MMA FAQs". SUJU MMA. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ↑ "SUJU MMA Rules & Variations". SUJU MMA. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ↑ "Contact SUJU MMA". SUJU MMA. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
External links
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