At the beginning of an MMA fight... (training)

[vmaxnc]

...what is the ref checking for when he pats down the fighters? I know there's a cup check, but what is the rest of the search about?

[rigas]

they want to make sure the fighters dont have any substances on them such as grease, oil, and the like. nothing that could give an unfair advantage

[vmaxnc]

Do you have a source for that? I'd like to read more about it.

[rigas]

nope no source just personal experience cornering fighters and training.