Effects Of Home Advantage In Mixed Martial Arts Performance With Paired Bouts Of The Same Fighting Opponents

The aim of this study was to compare time-motion and technical analysis in mixed martial arts (MMA) home advantage situation with paired bouts of the same athletes in home and away matches. For this purpose, we analyzed, 202 bouts and 606 rounds from UFC (TM) events (2012-2014), paired by both athletes competing at home (n=101) or away (n=101). The time-motion variables were categorized into low or high intensity, standup or groundwork situations. Techniques were analyzed by observing total strikes to the head and body, takedowns, submission, choking and joint locking actions. Repeated measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni was used to compare the situations, p=0.05. A significant effect was observed when comparing home vs. away bouts in total strikes landed (21.4 +/- 16.2 vs. 27.7 +/- 21.4 attempts), total strikes attempts (37.3 +/- 23.9 vs. 46.4 +/- 26.3 attempts), head strikes attempts (21.5 +/- 15.1 vs. 26.5 +/- 16.2 attempts) and in body strikes attempts (4.3 +/- 3.6 vs. 3.4 +/- 3.8 attempts). Time-motion and technical-tactical differences did not impact the combats' outcomes suggesting tactical adjustments by professional athletes from MMA, according to the condition of fighting.