The combat sport industry has witnessed a tremendous amount of growth in the last 10 years with the emergence of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Even though MMA has become very popular, a lot of aspect of the sport has kept most mainstream fans away from it. Stephane Patry and INSTINCT are very proud to introduce the new sport of PROFESSIONAL STAND-UP FIGHTING, a sport that incorporates the techniques of Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Boxing and Sanshou to create the most exciting combat sport in the world. While athletes are allowed the exact same techniques as MMA when standing-up, as soon as one of the fighters is on the ground, the referee steps in and the fight is restarted in the stand-up position. While throws and takedowns are allowed just like in Sanshou and MMA, most of the action in Professional Stand-up Fighting features punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes.

Despite what some may perceive to be an ultra aggressive sport, the respect athletes share for one another is what makes this sport truly great. Fights always end with a congratulatory hand shake or even a long hug between the competitors in an amazing display of class, sportsmanship and respect. These are far from street fights where the one’s only goal is to injure each another. On the contrary, Professional Stand-up Fighting is simply a physical, athletic sport in which athletes try to use their personal style of martial art to better their opponent. 

It is critical to stress that this sport indeed has very stringent rules and regulations that allow for a very exciting, explosive and spectacular event, while in the confines of a safe and controlled environment. Combat sports popularity continues to grow with each passing day, and it has actually experienced more growth in the last three years than any other television event in North America. Sanctioned and recognized as a legitimate combat sport by most athletic commissions throughout the world, Professional Stand-up Fighting is on the right track, and is without a doubt THE combat sport of the future.