Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport that combines techniques from various martial arts disciplines, including boxing, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai. MMA fights take place in an octagonal cage or ring, with professional organizations like the UFC, Bellator, and ONE Championship setting the standard rules. Fights are typically scheduled for three rounds of five minutes each, with championship and main event fights extending to five rounds. Fighters must adhere to specific weight classes, ensuring fair competition based on size and strength.
The MMA scoring system follows the 10-Point Must System, adapted from boxing. Under this system, the winner of each round is awarded 10 points, while the opponent typically receives 9 or fewer. Judges evaluate fighters based on four main criteria: effective striking, grappling, aggression, and octagon control. Striking and grappling effectiveness carry the most weight, rewarding fighters who land significant strikes or successfully control their opponent through takedowns and submissions. If a round is closely contested, judges may score it 10-9, while a dominant round can result in a 10-8 or even 10-7 score.
Decisions in MMA can be classified into several categories, including unanimous, split, and majority decisions, depending on how judges score the fight. A match can also end via knockout (KO), technical knockout (TKO), submission, or disqualification. The scoring system, while structured, has faced criticism due to subjective judging, leading to calls for more transparency in evaluating fights. As MMA continues to evolve, regulatory bodies and promotions work to refine the scoring criteria to ensure fairness and accuracy in determining the rightful winner.
