Sambo vs. MMA — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 20, 2023
Sambo is a Russian martial art and combat sport, while MMA stands for Mixed Martial Arts, a full-contact sport combining various fighting techniques.
Difference Between Sambo and MMA
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sambo is a martial art that originated in Russia during the early 20th century. Developed by the Soviet Red Army, its purpose was to improve their hand-to-hand combat abilities. MMA, on the other hand, is a term that encompasses a wide range of martial arts from around the world, mixed into one sport.
Sambo is heavily influenced by judo and incorporates many of its throws, but it also integrates ground control and submissions, emphasizing both strikes and grappling. MMA is a melting pot of various martial arts disciplines, including Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, kickboxing, boxing, and many others.
In competitions, Sambo fighters usually wear jackets similar to judo or jiu-jitsu gi tops, allowing for a variety of gripping techniques. MMA fighters typically wear shorts and gloves, with no gi, and fights take place in a cage or a ring.
While Sambo has its own set of rules and specific techniques, MMA has become a global phenomenon with its own set of regulations that vary by organization. Fighters in MMA must be proficient in both striking and grappling to succeed at the highest levels.
Another distinguishing factor is that Sambo is seen more as a representation of Russian cultural heritage and martial tradition. MMA, however, represents a global evolution of combat sports, with fighters hailing from diverse martial backgrounds and nations.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Russia
Global
Main Influences
Judo, native Russian fighting styles
Various martial arts worldwide
Typical Attire
Jacket similar to judo gi
Shorts and gloves
Fighting Arena
Mat
Cage or ring
Primary Objective
Throws, ground control, and submissions
Striking and grappling
Compare with Definitions
Sambo
A Russian martial art and combat sport.
I'm taking Sambo classes to improve my grappling skills.
MMA
Has gained global popularity and recognition.
MMA promotions are held in countries all over the world.
Sambo
Developed for the Soviet Red Army's hand-to-hand combat.
The soldiers were trained in Sambo for effective combat situations.
MMA
Fighters need proficiency in both striking and grappling.
To succeed in MMA, you can't just be good at boxing; you need grappling skills too.
Sambo
Heavily influenced by judo.
The throw techniques in Sambo resemble those in judo.
MMA
A full-contact sport combining various fighting techniques.
MMA fighters often cross-train in multiple martial arts.
Sambo
Incorporates both striking and grappling techniques.
He landed a punch and followed it with a Sambo-style takedown.
MMA
Competitions take place in cages or rings.
The MMA event tonight will be held in a cage.
Sambo
Distinct from other martial arts due to its unique rules and attire.
Sambo fighters wear jackets, making their grip techniques distinct.
MMA
Stands for Mixed Martial Arts.
He's training for his next MMA fight.
Sambo
A sandwich.
Sambo
A negro; sometimes, the offspring of a black person and a mulatto; - formerly used colloquially or with humorous intent, but now considered offensive or racist by African-Americans.
Sambo
In Central America, an Indian and negro half-breed, or mixed blood.
Sambo
A colloquial or humorous appellation for a negro; sometimes, the offspring of a black person and a mulatto; a zambo.
Common Curiosities
What is Sambo?
Sambo is a Russian martial art and combat sport, developed for the Soviet Red Army's hand-to-hand combat.
Is MMA more popular than Sambo?
MMA has gained global popularity, while Sambo is more nationally recognized in Russia.
What attire do MMA fighters wear?
MMA fighters typically wear shorts and gloves.
How is Sambo different from MMA?
Sambo is a specific martial art with its roots in Russia, while MMA is a sport that combines various martial arts worldwide.
How did MMA originate?
MMA evolved from the combination of various martial arts disciplines from around the world.
Can a Sambo practitioner compete in MMA?
Yes, many Sambo practitioners have successfully transitioned to MMA.
Do Sambo fighters strike?
Yes, Sambo incorporates both striking and grappling techniques.
What's the primary objective in a Sambo match?
Sambo emphasizes throws, ground control, and submissions.
Can MMA techniques be used in Sambo?
While there are overlapping techniques, each sport has its unique rules and regulations.
What are the primary influences of Sambo?
Sambo is heavily influenced by judo and native Russian fighting styles.
Is Sambo older than MMA?
Yes, Sambo was developed in the early 20th century, while MMA gained prominence much later.
Which is more focused on ground fighting, Sambo or MMA?
Both emphasize ground fighting, but MMA incorporates a broader range of martial arts.
Which is more widespread, Sambo schools or MMA gyms?
MMA gyms are more widespread globally, but Sambo schools are prevalent in Russia and some parts of Eastern Europe.
Are there different types of Sambo?
Yes, there are variations like Sport Sambo and Combat Sambo.
Do MMA fighters wear jackets like in Sambo?
No, MMA fighters typically wear shorts and gloves without jackets.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
