Cage: Enclosed Fighting Area Used in Combat Sports
A cage is an enclosed fighting area, typically constructed from chain-link fencing or metal panels, used to contain fighters during a bout. The cage prevents fighters from falling out of the competition area and creates a defined space for combat. In professional MMA, the octagonal cage is standard, but underground fighting operations use a wide variety of cage designs and materials.
Origins and Usage
The fighting cage was popularized in the early 1990s by the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which introduced the iconic octagon. However, the concept of enclosing fighters in a structure predates modern MMA by decades, with various promotions and underground events using cages, pits, and fenced areas throughout the twentieth century.
The cage serves both practical and dramatic purposes. Practically, it keeps fighters within the competition area and protects spectators. Dramatically, it intensifies the atmosphere and underscores the raw nature of combat sports.
In Underground Fighting
Underground fighting operations use cages of all shapes and sizes, from professionally manufactured octagons to improvised enclosures made from construction fencing, livestock panels, or welded rebar. The quality and safety of these structures varies enormously, and fighters in unsanctioned events may find themselves competing in cages with sharp edges, unstable walls, or inadequate padding.
The cage becomes a tactical element in underground fights, as fighters can pin opponents against the fence for dirty boxing and clinch work. In some bare knuckle underground promotions, the cage itself is considered part of the fighting surface, and using it offensively is not only legal but encouraged.
Related Terms
- Hay Bale Ring -- Improvised fighting boundary using hay bales
- Sand Circle -- Open-air fighting boundary drawn in sand
- The Yard -- Informal outdoor fighting venue
See Also
- Fence Grab -- Illegal hold of cage material during a fight
- Ringside -- Spectator area immediately surrounding the cage