Olivier Blanco bare-chested in a tight guard, wearing Free Boxing gloves

Free Boxing and MMA: what are the differences?

Gi jacket, limited groundwork, a martial dimension: what sets Free Boxing apart from MMA.

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Free Boxing and MMA both mix striking and grappling. Yet the two disciplines are not all that similar once you are on the mats.

The jacket changes everything

In Free Boxing, you fight in a gi jacket. It opens up a whole range of grips, control and throws, similar to judo or sambo, that simply does not exist in MMA.

Time-limited groundwork

Fighting on the ground is allowed but time-limited. Fighters therefore need to be well-rounded on their feet, whereas an MMA fight can be decided entirely on the ground.

Categories for everyone

Educational Free Boxing lets children and teenagers try competition in light contact or semi-contact, with full protective gear.

A martial dimension

At club level, Free Boxing keeps a self-defence side: managing distance, breaking free from a grab, protecting someone. It is not just a ring sport.

Find out more: What is Free Boxing?