Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Rules

Most rule sets for mixed martial arts competitions have evolved since the early days of vale tudo. As the knowledge about fighting techniques spread among fighters and spectators, it became clear that the original minimalist rule systems needed to be amended. As rules evolved and regulations added, different branches of mixed martial arts have emerged, with differences between the different rulesets dictating different strategies. However, for the most part, fighters accustomed to one rule set can easily acclimate to a different ruleset, as the basics of fighting remain largely the same. The most prevalent rule set in the world being used currently is the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, adopted by all state athletic commissions in the United States that regulate mixed martial arts and is used most notably in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The Unified Rules are the de facto rules for mixed martial arts in the United States, and have been adopted by other promotions and jurisdictions worldwide.

Rules commonly found in MMA competition today:

• Rounds: Every round is 5 minutes in duration with a one minute rest period in-between rounds. Non-title matches must not exceed three rounds (The governing commission can grant dispensation for non-title five round bouts). Title matches can be sanctioned for five rounds.
• Attire: All competitors must fight in approved shorts, without shoes or any other sort of foot padding. Shirts, gis or long pants (including gi pants) are not allowed. Fighters must use approved light gloves (4-6 ounces) that allow fingers to grab. A mouthguard and protective cup are also required and is checked by a State Athletic Committee official before being allowed to enter the cage/ring.
• Judging criteria: The ten-point must system is in effect for all fights. Three judges score each round and the winner of each receives ten points, the loser nine points or less. If the round is even, both fighters receive ten points. In New Jersey, the fewest points a fighter can receive is 7.
• Fouls: As set out by the Association of Boxing Commissions:
• Holding or grabbing the fence
• Holding opponent’s shorts or gloves
• Butting with the head
• Eye gouging of any kind
• Biting or spitting at an opponent
• Hair pulling
• Fish hooking
• Groin attacks of any kind
• Intentionally placing a finger into any orifice, or into any cut or laceration of your opponent
• Downward pointing of elbow strikes (see Elbow strike)
• Small joint manipulation
• Strikes to the spine or back of the head (see Rabbit punch)
• Heel kicks to the kidney
• Throat strikes of any kind, including, without limitation, grabbing the trachea
• Clawing, pinching, twisting the flesh or grabbing the clavicle
• Kicking the head of a grounded opponent
• Kneeing the Head of a grounded opponent
• Stomping of a grounded fighter
• The use of abusive language in fighting area
• Any unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to opponent
• Attacking an opponent on or during the break
• Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee
• Timidity (avoiding contact, or consistent dropping of mouthpiece, or faking an injury)
• Interference from a mixed martial artist’s seconds
• Throwing an opponent out of the ring or caged area
• Flagrant disregard of the referee’s instructions
• Spiking an opponent to the canvas on his or her head or neck (see Piledriver)
• Attacking an opponent after the bell has sounded the end of the period of unarmed combat

When a foul is charged, the referee in their discretion may deduct one or more points as a penalty. If a foul incapacitates a fighter, then the match may end in a disqualification if the foul was intentional, or a no contest if unintentional. If a foul causes a fighter to be unable to continue later in the bout, it ends with a technical decision win to the injured fighter if the injured fighter is ahead on points, otherwise it is a technical draw.