Paul Gift Research Paper Examines MMA Promoters' Behavior with Variating Cage Sizes

The study investigates the effect on varying cage sizes on fighter performance outcomes in Zuffa-owned mixed martial arts (MMA) promotions. Paul Gift observed different events over time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) and how variations in cage sizes affected the fighter's performance. The study suggests that smaller cages lead to more fight finishes, such as knockouts and submissions, and higher rates of distance knockdowns and choke attempts. The study also suggests that smaller cages lead to a higher proportion of time with fighters pressed against the cage. Read more.