Are "tap outs on the mat" less common?

[weakandweary]

I've been watching a lot of older UFC events (i.e. pre-UFC 60) and notice that "back in the day" many tap outs come from fighters clearly tapping onto the ground (as if they are killing ants) vice onto the other fighter's body.

I feel I see that less often nowadays. Not that it really matters in the end, but I wonder why it's so less common now than in the past.

Thoughts? Thanks.

 

[Lockard The GOAT]

It was funny watching CM Punk tap the ground rapidly like he was still in a WWE match lol.

 

[Draxton]

More people training BJJ and there you learn to tap your opponent to release the hold I guess?

Back then it had the pro wrestling tap the mat to quit idea.

 

[Kowboy On Sherdog]

Seems like it. While verbal submissions are on the rise.

 

[TheRassler]

I'm surprised Brock didn't tap the mat when Mir locked in that kneebar.


they should set up a 3rd trilogy fight, that was a damn good grudge match.

 

[RampageFaction]

Seems like it. While verbal submissions are on the rise.

 

[da best eva]

 

[Exarch01]

I think it's fighters just becoming more knowledgeable about when a submission is locked in or not.