Issue 050
June 2009
Why use them?
The cage – or ‘octagonal fenced arena’ – is one of the best-known and most misunderstood features of MMA. Although the popular press likes to focus on the image and drama associated with the cage, the reason it is used in the majority of MMA events today is that it provides a safe environment for the action to take place. The chain-link fence prevents competitors from falling out of the arena while enabling spectators to see the action inside.
When would you use them?
Cages are used at all levels of MMA, from amateur interclub competitions right up to the biggest events in the world. Many clubs have a cage that can be used for training and sparring on an everyday basis. When preparing for a fight it’s crucial to know how to use the space inside the cage, and the walls themselves, to your advantage.
Shape and dimensions
Most cages have eight sides, but some promotions prefer to use a different shape such as a hexagon or a circle. The fence is between 5’6” and 5’8” high, and the whole cage is raised off the ground on a platform, with steps or walkways for the fighters and corner teams to get into the cage.
The UFC octagon has a diameter of 30 ft (9m) inside the fence, but many promotions (including the Zuffa-owned WEC) use smaller cages. The dimensions can affect the course of a fight, with a smaller space forcing fighters to engage more.
Materials
The walls of an MMA cage are made from chain-link metal fence coated with black vinyl. The metal corner posts and the bars at the top and bottom of each section of cage are covered with foam padding to protect the fighters. This padding may come in different colors, and may be printed with promotion or sponsor logos.
Floor covering
The floor of a cage is covered in around an inch of foam padding, covered with vinyl or canvas. For large shows, this is replaced for each event and is printed with promotion and sponsor logos.
Doors
A regulation MMA cage should have two doors diagonally opposite each other. This allows corner teams to get to their own fighter quickly, and ensures medical teams can always get into the cage in an emergency, even if a door becomes stuck or a fallen fighter is blocking one entrance. If (in a training cage, for example) there is only one door then, for reasons of safety, the door opens outwards. The fastening mechanism is important, as the doors need to be securely closed while the action is taking place, but be able to open smoothly in- between rounds.
GENERAL TIPS
Training cages
MMA gyms sometimes have a training cage that fighters can use on a daily basis. These are often smaller than a competition cage. They may be bought from the same manufacturers who produce competition cages, or they are sometimes built on-site from improvised materials. Fighter safety is an important consideration in this case, as homemade cages are not always built to the same safety standards as competition cages.
Alternatives
If you don’t have the room or the budget for a training cage, then you can still train to fight in one. Many gyms have a padded wall that they use for practicing fence work and takedowns. While it doesn’t feel exactly like a cage wall, it does have the advantage that fighters are less likely to get fingers and toes caught in training.
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