Issue 085

February 2012

It has been the signature battling ground of the UFC for almost 20 years, but what are the secrets of the Octagon? FO goes inside the cage to find out.

1. A bright idea

The idea to have UFC fighters compete in a cage was that of Hollywood script writer and director John Milius, who worked on films such as Apocalypse Now and Conan the Barbarian. Milius also deserves credit for acquiring many wealthy investors for the UFC in its early days, thanks to his impressive credentials as a leading man in his industry.

2. Trademarked testing ground

Originally, the UFC reserved the right to use a cage for competition. After Zuffa bought the promotion in 2001, it was decided that other promotions should be encouraged to use the cage in order to unify the sport and help it to gain legislation. However, the UFC kept the moniker ‘Octagon’ for themselves. 

3. A useful tool

The Octagon is more than just an impressive set piece. With the right technique it can be used to a fighter’s advantage. Such tactics include specific cage-based clinch work and wall-walking. While others prefer a more flashy approach, such as Anthony Pettis’ off-the-cage ‘Showtime Kick’. More like, ‘Showoff Kick’.  

4. Hands off!

As with any sport, there are rules that all competitors must abide by. Grabbing the fence is prohibited, as is climbing on the cage during a fight. In the state of Nevada it is illegal for a fighter to climb on the cage at any time during an event, including during a post-fight celebration.

5. How to build your own cage

The design rules for the Octagon, and indeed all MMA cages, are included in MMA’s Unified Rules. The guidelines are very precise and include instructions to cover the floor “with at least a one-inch layer of foam padding.” Sounds comfy.

6. As big as it gets

MMA cages vary in size. According to the Unified Rules, a ‘fenced area’ must be no smaller than 20 feet and no larger than 32 feet wide. The Octagon measures the maximum 32 feet.

7. Safety first

Uneducated critics see MMA cages as shameless arenas used by an archaic bloodsport. Yet in reality the Octagon exists because the UFC’s original founders realized that contests could not be held in a standard boxing ring due to the risk that fighters could fall out, possibly injuring themselves and spectators. The cage prevents this from happening. Safety first!

8. Get used to it

The tendency of Japanese promotions like Pride and Dream to use a ring instead of a cage has meant that Asian fighters who have come to the UFC have seemed uncomfortable in their new fenced environment. We are yet to see an Asian fighter enjoy any UFC title success in North American MMA.

9. Slippy sponsors

The Octagon surface proudly displays the UFC’s most affluent sponsors, including Harley-Davidson and Bud Light. There have been tales in the past of fighters complaining that they have slipped on the printed logos during a bout, however, that has now changed, in the UFC at least, who use a fresh hand-painted canvas for each event.

10. Stain'd

With the thousands of fights that have taken place in the Octagon over the years and all the blood that has inevitably been spilled, hardcore viewers have become somewhat desensitized. Longtime fans were reminded of the brutal bubble they live in when officials painted over the crimson spattered canvas before the main event on the first UFC on Fox show. Who says looks aren’t everything?

PRO TIP

If you ever find yourself fighting for the UFC then you had best be prepared. The canvas in the Octagon is designed specifically for mixed martial arts contests and slippages are rare, but they can happen. Foot grips can be worn to minimize the risk of this occurring.