Jon Jones can officially use the move that cost him the only loss of his career when he returns to action against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in New York on Nov. 16.
On Thursday, the New York State Athletic Commission confirmed to MMA Fighting that rules changes for MMA approved by the Association of Boxing Commission (ABC) have been adopted and go into effect starting on Nov. 1. The measure was actually approved in September with the commission deciding to adopt the new rules set forth by the ABC.
“The New York State Athletic Commission will adhere to the Unified Rules for MMA at UFC 309 on November 16, as explained in the attached bulletin issued by the Commission on Sept. 5, 2024,” commission officials said in a statement.
While Unified MMA Rules are defined by the ABC, each athletic commission still has to approve the changes before it officially goes into effect.
The two specific rules changed involve eliminating the 12-to-6 elbow as a foul in MMA and a new definition for a grounded fighter.
New York State Athletic Commission to officially adopt new MMA rules ahead of UFC 309 - MMA Fighting