Rules on mixed martial arts competition for children vary. In most U.S. states, there is no central organization in charge of children competing in mixed martial arts also known as Pankration (MMA). In some states it is a misdemeanor to hold these competitions. Missouri and California are the only two states that have official rules, regulations and recognized bouts for children. The non-profit United States Fight League is the delegated organization to oversee and administer the rules and regulations for the sport.
To ensure the children's safety in fights, California and Missouri put slight but substantial differences into the rules. At other places, many are discussing that teaching boxing to children can be beneficial for their overall well-being.
Since its inception many media sources have covered the sport to include:
Safety
Children competitors generally wear more padding then adults in an effort to make the sport less brutal and decrease the chances of injuries. In adult MMA the only visible protection is the open-fingered gloves. Children must wear headgear, shin guards, and the open-fingered gloves. In addition to that children are not allowed to strike a downed opponent in the head. The United States Fight League uses a unique point-based scoring system which promotes technique over brutality in youth contests. The rule differences are in place to protect the children and yet still allow them to participate in the same venue as adults.