Point System

What is the Point System?

Fights are judged on a 10 point system. This means that a fighter will be awarded 10 points if they win the round, while the other will be awarded 9 or less points for losing the round. The exact number of points the loser can receive depends on damage absorbed and faults accrued during the round. 

Fighters can gain an advantage in the ring a number of ways. The most obvious method is by landing more significant strikes. Significant strikes are punches, kicks, knees, and elbows that land flush on the intended target.

Additionally, a fighter can maintain an advantageous position in the ring to win the round. This would include taking and controlling the center of the ring, completing takedowns, and holding top position in grappling scrambles. 

When does the score matter? 

When the fight contest goes the full distance, the judges score cards come into play. A typical MMA fight is either 3 rounds for a standard match or 5 rounds for a champsionship bout. Each round is 5 minutes long.

How is a fight decided? 

 If a fight goes the full distance, the referee will bring both fighters to the center of the ring/cage and the judges' scorecards will be announced. 

What are the Decision Outcomes?

• Unanimous Decision: All three judges judge the same fighter to be the winner.
• Majority Decision: Two judges score one fighter as the winner and the third judge scores it a draw.
• Split Decision: Two judges score one fighter as the winner and the third judge awards the fight to the other fighter.
• Unanimous draw: All three judges score the bout a draw.
• Majority draw: Two judges declare a draw while the third judge scores one fighter to be the winner.
• Split draw: One judge scores it a draw, and the other two judges have awarded the fight to different fighters.