MIXED MARTIAL ARTS - UNIFIED RULES
1) DEFINITION:

“Mixed martial arts” means competition involving the use, subject to any applicable limitations set forth in these Unified Rules, of a combination of techniques from different disciplines of the martial arts, including, without limitation, grappling, kicking and striking.

2) JURISDICTION:

All contests and exhibitions of mixed martial arts must be conducted under the supervision and authority of the commission.

3) ROUNDS:

A) Each non-championship mixed martial arts contest is to be for 3 rounds, each round no more than 5 minutes duration, with a rest period of 1 minute between each round.

B) Each championship mixed martial arts contest is to be for 5 rounds, each round no more than 5 minutes duration, with a rest period of 1 minute between each round.

4) STOPPING CONTEST:

The referee and ringside physician are the sole arbiters of a contest and are the only individuals authorized to enter the ring/octagon at any time during competition and to stop a contest.

5) JUDGING:

All contests will be evaluated and scored by three judges.

6) TEN (10) POINT MUST SYSTEM:

The 10-Point Must System will be the standard system of scoring a contest.

7) WARNINGS:

A single warning will be issued for the following infractions only:

A) Holding or grabbing fence
B) Holding opponent’s shorts or gloves
C) The presence of more than one second on the apron

8) FOULS:

A) The following acts constitute fouls in a contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts:

1) Butting with the head
2) Eye gouging of any kind
3) Biting
4) Spitting at an opponent
5) Hair pulling
6) Fish hooking
7) Groin attacks of any kind
8) Putting a finger into any orifice or any cut or laceration of an opponent
9) Small joint manipulation
10) Striking downward using the point of the elbow
11) Striking to the spine or the back of the head
12) Kicking to the kidney with a heel
13) Throat strikes of any kind, including, without limitation, grabbing the trachea
14) Clawing, pinching or twisting the flesh
15) Grabbing the clavicle
16) Kicking the head of a grounded opponent
17) Kneeing the head of a grounded opponent
18) Stomping a grounded opponent
19) Holding the fence
20) Holding the shorts or gloves of an opponent
21) Using abusive language in fenced area/ring
22) Engaging in any unsportsmanlike conduct that causes injury to an opponent
23) Attacking an opponent on or during the break
24) Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee
25) Attacking an opponent after the bell has sounded the end of the round
26) Timidity, including, without limitation, avoiding contact with an opponent, intentionally or consistently dropping the mouthpiece or faking an injury
27) Throwing opponent out of fenced area/ring
28) Flagrantly disregarding the instructions of the referee
29) Spiking an opponent to the canvas on his head or neck
30) Interference by the corner
31) Throwing in the towel during competition

B) Disqualification occurs after any combination of 3 fouls or after a flagrant foul.

C) Fouls result in a point being deducted by the official scorekeeper from the offending contestant’s score. The judges should only make notations of points deducted by the referee, for each round.

D) Only a referee can assess a foul. If the referee does not call the foul, judges must not make that assessment on their own.

E) A fouled contestant has up to 5 minutes to recuperate.

F) If a foul is committed:
1) The referee shall call time.
2) The referee shall check the fouled contestant’s condition and safety.
3) The referee shall then assess the foul to the offending contestant, deduct points, and notify the cornermen, judges and official scorekeeper.

G) If a bottom contestant commits a foul, unless the top contestant is injured, the contest will continue.
1) The referee will verbally notify the bottom contestant of the foul.
2) When the round is over, the referee will assess the foul and notify both corners, the judges and the official scorekeeper.
3) The referee may terminate a contest based on the severity of a foul. For such a flagrant foul, a contestant shall lose by disqualification.

9) INJURIES SUSTAINED BY FAIR BLOWS AND FOULS:
A) Fair Blows:
If injury is severe enough to terminate a contest, the injured contestant loses by TKO.
B) Fouls:
1) Intentional:

a) If an injury is severe enough to cause the immediate termination of a contest, the contestant causing the injury loses by disqualification.
b) If an injury is produced and the contest is allowed to continue, the referee will notify the authorities and automatically deduct 2 points from the contestant who committed the foul. Point deductions for intentional fouls will be mandatory.
c) If an injury as described in (b) above is the cause of the contest being stopped in a later round, the injured boxer will win by TECHNICAL DECISION, if he is ahead on the scorecards.
d) If an injury as described in (b) above is the cause of the contest being stopped in a later round, the contest will result in a TECHNICAL DRAW, if the injured contestant is behind or even on the scorecards.
e) If a contestant injures himself while attempting to foul his opponent, the referee will not take any action in his favor and the injury is the same as one produced by a fair blow.

2) Accidental:

a) Any injury severe enough for the referee to stop the contest immediately will result in a NO CONTEST if stopped before 2 rounds have been completed in a 3 round contest or if stopped before 3 rounds have been completed in a 5 round contest.
b) Any injury severe enough for the referee to stop the contest immediately after 2 rounds of a 3 round contest, or after 3 rounds of a 5 round contest have occurred, the contest will result in a TECHNICAL DECISION, awarded to the contestant who is ahead on the score cards at the time the contest is stopped.
c) If injury (b) above occurs, all completed rounds and the round in which the bout is stopped will be scored.
d) If an injury inflicted by an accidental foul later becomes aggravated by fair blows and the referee orders the bout stopped because of the injury, the outcome must be determined by scoring the completed rounds and the round in which the referee stops the contest.
e) If injury (b) above occurs, and the referee penalizes either contestant, then point(s) shall be deducted from the final score.

10) WEIGHT DIVISIONS:
Except with the approval of the commission or its executive director, the classes for mixed martial arts contests or exhibitions and the weights for each class shall be:

Flyweight 125 pounds and under
Bantamweight over 125 to 135 pounds
Featherweight over 135 to 145 pounds
Lightweight over 145 to 155 pounds
Welterweight over 155 to 170 pounds
Middleweight over 170 to 185 pounds
Light Heavyweight over 185 to 205 pounds
Heavyweight over 205 to 265 pounds
Super Heavyweight over 265 pounds

11) MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTESTANTS:

A) Contestants shall complete all pre-licensure medical examinations and tests required by the jurisdiction licensing the contest.
B) The jurisdiction licensing the contest shall conduct or supervise all pre-contest weigh-ins and may hold or supervise a rules meeting for all contestants and their cornermen.
C) Post-Contest medical examination:
1) Immediately following a contest, each contestant shall be given a medical examination by a physician appointed by the commission. The medical examination may include any examinations or tests the commission deems necessary to determine the post-contest physical fitness of a contestant.
2) Any contestant who refuses to submit to a post-contest medical examination shall be immediately suspended for an indefinite period.

12) RING REQUIREMENTS AND EQUIPMENT:

A) Ring/Fighting Area:

1) Size: The ring/fighting area must be circular or have at least eight equal sides and must be no smaller than 20 feet x 20 feet and no larger than 32 feet x 32 feet. The ring floor shall be padded in a manner as approved by the commission, with at least 1 inch layer of foam padding. Padding shall extend beyond the ring and over the edge of the platform. The ring shall have a canvas covering. No vinyl or other plastic rubberized covering shall be permitted, and material that tends to gather in lumps or ridges must not be used.
2) Height: The ring platform shall not be more than 4 feet above the floor of the building and shall have suitable steps or ramp for use by the participants. Ring posts shall be made of metal not more than 6 inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to between 5 and 7 feet above the ring/fighting canvas and shall be properly padded in a manner approved by the commission.

B) Fence:

1) The ring/fighting canvas area shall be enclosed by a fence made of such material as will not allow a contestant to fall out or break through it onto the floor or spectators; including, without limitation, chain-link fence coated with vinyl. Any metal portion of the fenced area must be covered and padded in a manner approved by the commission and must not be abrasive to the contestants.
2) The fenced area must have 2 gated entrances, preferably on opposite sides of the fenced area.
3) There must not be any obstruction on any part of the fence surrounding the area in which the contestants are competing.

C) Video Screens:
The promoter of a mixed martial arts contest or exhibition shall hang at least 2 video screens which meet the approval of the commission or its executive director and which allow the patrons to view the action inside the fenced area.

D) Gloves:
1) The gloves shall be new for all main events and in good condition or they must be replaced.
2) All contestants shall wear gloves weighing between 4-8 ounces, which shall be supplied by the promoter and approved by the commission. Contestants are not permitted to supply their own gloves.

E) Ring Stools:

1) A ring stool of a type approved by the commission shall be available for each contestant. All ring stools must be thoroughly cleaned or replaced after each contest.
2) An appropriate number of stools or chairs, of a type approved by the commission, shall be available for each contestant’s seconds in the corner. Stools must be thoroughly cleaned or replaced after each contest.

F) Other Equipment:
For each contest, the licensed promoter shall provide each contestant’s corner with:

1) A clean water bucket.
2) A clean plastic bottle.

13) SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:

A) Specifications for Bandages on Contestants’ Hands:

1) In all weight classes, the bandages on each contestant’s hand shall be restricted to soft gauze cloth not more than 13 yards in length and 2 inches in width, held in place by not more than 10 ft. of surgeon’s tape, 1 inch in width, for each hand.
2) Surgeon’s adhesive tape shall be placed directly on each hand for protection near the wrist. The tape may cross the back of the hand twice, but may not extend within three-fourths of an inch of the knuckles when the hand is clenched to make a fist. Strips of tape may be used between the fingers to hold down the bandages.
3) The bandages shall be evenly distributed across the hand.
4) Bandages and tape shall be placed on the contestant’s hands in the dressing room in the presence of the commission inspector and in the presence of the manager or chief second of his opponent. A contestant may waive his privilege of having a representative witness the bandaging of his opponent’s hands.
5) Under no circumstances are gloves to be placed on the hands of a contestant until the approval of the commission inspector is received.

B) Groin and Chest Protectors:

1) Groin: All male contestants shall provide and wear a foul-proof groin protector, which shall be subject to examination and approval by the commission. Groin protectors are prohibited for female contestants.
2) Chest: All female contestants shall wear a chest protector during competition. The chest protector shall be subject to examination and approval by the commission.

C) Mouthpieces:

1) All contestants are required to wear a well-fitting mouthpiece, which shall be subject to examination and approval by the commission.
2) A round will not begin until both contestants have their respective mouthpieces in place.
3) If a mouthpiece is involuntarily dislodged during competition, the referee will call time and replace the mouthpiece at the first opportune moment, which does not interfere with the immediate action.

D) Contestant’s Apparel:

1) Trunks: Each contestant must provide themselves with mixed martial arts shorts, bikers’ shorts, boxing or kickboxing shorts/pants.
2) Shirt or Gi: Contestants may not wear a shirt or gi during competition.
3) Shoes: Contestants may not wear shoes of any kind during competition

E) Contestant’s Physical Appearance:

1) Each contestant must be clean and present a tidy appearance.
2) The excessive use of grease or any other foreign substance, including, without limitation, grooming creams, lotions or sprays, may not be used on the face, hair or body of a contestant. The referee or the commission’s representative shall cause any excessive grease or foreign substance to be removed.
3) The commission’s representative shall determine whether head or facial hair presents any hazard to the safety of the contestant or his opponent or will interfere with the supervision and conduct of the contest. If the head or facial hair of a contestant presents such a hazard or will interfere with the supervision and conduct of the contest, the contestant may not compete in the contest unless the circumstances creating the hazard or potential interference are corrected to the satisfaction of the commission’s representation. Without limiting the foregoing standard, head hair must be trimmed or tied back in such a manner that it will not interfere with the vision of either contestant or cover any part of a contestant’s face.
4) Contestants may not wear any jewelry or other piercing accessories while competing.

F) Emergency Medical Facilities, Personnel and Equipment:

1) All promoters must provide medical information, facilities and equipment, including, but not limited to a stretcher and emergency oxygen, adequate for emergency occasions, and an ambulance for each event, and all such medical facilities and equipment must be approved in advance by the commissioner. No event shall be allowed to start until an ambulance is available and present at the event. No event shall be allowed to continue if an ambulance is utilized to transport a previous contestant to a medical facility, until another ambulance is available and present at the event.
2) There shall be at least 2 Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) present at all events, from the commencement of the first contest, throughout the duration of the event, and until the last contestant leaves the arena. No event shall be allowed to continue if an EMT leaves the arena to transport a previous contestant to a medical facility, until an EMT replacement is available and present at the event.
3) A minimum of 2 Ringside Physicians shall be appointed by the commissioner. No event may commence or proceed unless the Ringside Physician is present and seated at ringside.
4) Disposable Hygienic Gloves must be worn by all seconds, referees, ringside physicians and inspectors while involved with the event. The hygienic gloves shall be provided by the commission.

14) USE OF PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES; DETECTION; PENALTIES:

A) Use of Prohibited Substances:
The use of any illegal drug, narcotic, stimulant, depressant, or analgesic of any description, or alcohol substance, by a contestant either before or during a match, shall result in the immediate disqualification of the contestant from the match and disciplinary action in accordance with the commission licensing the contest.

B) Detection of Prohibited Substances:
In order to detect the presence of any prohibited substance, a contestant shall submit to any pre-contest or post-contest urinalysis or other laboratory procedure that is ordered by the physician appointed by the commission. Refusal to submit to such testing shall result in the immediate disqualification of the contestant from the match and an indefinite suspension from the sport of mixed martial arts.

C) Urinalysis:
1) All contestants may be ordered to complete a pre-contest urinalysis exam to detect the presence of any drug.
2) In addition to a pre-contest analysis, the local commission may, at its discretion, decide to test for the presence of performance enhancing drugs and thereby require additional urine specimens to be produced at any time after the completion of the contest.
3) Collection of specimens for urinalysis testing shall be conducted or supervised by a commission official. Refusal to submit to such testing shall result in the immediate disqualification of the contestant from the match and an indefinite suspension from the sport of mixed martial arts.

D) Penalties for use of prohibited substances:

1) Unless the commission licensing an event requires otherwise, a contestant who tests positive for illegal drugs shall be penalized as follows:
a) First Offense: 90 day suspension.
b) Second Offense: 180 day suspension and mandatory completion of a supervisory treatment program approved by the commission that licensed the event.
c) Third Offense: 2 year suspension and mandatory completion of a supervisory treatment program approved by the commission that licensed the event.

2) A contestant who tests positive for any other prohibited substance shall be penalized according to the rules of the commission that licensed the event.

15) INCORPORATION OF OTHER STATUTES AND REGULATIONS:
Except as otherwise provided in these Unified Rules and except as otherwise provided by specific statute or regulation, the statutes and regulations relating to a licensing jurisdiction’s authority over the sport of boxing apply to a contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts.

16) WAIVER OF REQUIREMENTS:

Upon adequate notice to all interested parties, a jurisdiction licensing a contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts may waive or supplement one or more of the requirements set forth in these Unified Rules for any cause deemed necessary to protect the health, safety and well-being of the contestants, or to protect the confidence and trust of the public.

17) JUDGING AND SCORING - Contests can be terminated as the result of any of the following:
A) Submission by:
1) Physical Tap Out
2) Verbal tap out
B) Technical Knockout (TKO) by:
1) Referee stops contest, fighter is injured and/or unable to defend himself.
2) Ringside Physician stops contest, fighter is injured.
C) Knockout (KO) – Contestant is unable to maintain a standing position.
D) Decision via the score cards:
1) Unanimous Decision - When all three judges score the contest for the same contestant.
2) Split Decision - When two judges score the contest for one contestant and one judge scores for the opponent
3) Majority Decision - When two judges score the contest for the same contestant and one judge scores a draw
E) Draw. Including:
1) Unanimous Draw - When all three judges score the contest a draw
2) Majority Draw - When two judges score the contest a draw
3) Split Draw - When all three judges score differently
F) Disqualification
G) Forfeit
H) Technical Draw
I) Technical Decision
J) No Contest

18) SCORING TECHNIQUES:

A) Using the 10-Point Must Scoring System; judges are required to determine a winner of a contest that ends after the Initial scheduled number of rounds have been completed. 10 points must be awarded to the winner of the round and nine points or less must be awarded to the loser, except for a rare even round, which is scored (10-10).

B) Mixed Martial Arts Techniques are defined as:
1) “Effective Striking”: The total number of legal heavy strikes landed
2) “Effective Grappling”: The successful execution of a legal takedown and/or reversal including the following maneuvers:
a) Takedowns from standing position to mount position;
b) Passing the guard to mount position;
c) Bottom position fighters using an active, threatening guard.

3) “Octagon Control”: Dictating the pace, location and position of the contest using the following maneuvers:
a) Countering a grappler’s attempt at takedown to remain standing and legally striking effectively;
b) Taking down an opponent to force a ground fight;
c) Creating threatening submission attempts pass the guard to achieve mount, while on the ground;
d) Creating striking opportunities, while on the ground.

4) “Effective Aggressiveness”: Moving forward and setting the tempo of the contest while effectively scoring with legal strikes, takedowns, and submissions while blocking the opponents counters.

5) “Effective Defense”: Successful avoidance or defense of blows and submissions by which an opponent is made to miss by definite maneuvers. However, one who demonstrates these skills must also strike effectively to positively influence the judges’ scoring.

6) “Intelligent Defense”: An active defense that effectively neutralizes an opponent’s attack, particularly when the defender is mounted, either from the front or the back. An intelligent defense minimizes the potential for damage while providing the opportunity for taking back the offense.

C) Scoring of the above techniques shall be given the most weight as follows:

1) Effective Striking
2) Effective Grappling
3) Octagon Control
4) Effective Aggressiveness/Defense

Evaluations shall be made in the order in which the techniques appear above, giving the most weight in scoring to effective striking, grappling, octagon control and aggressiveness/defense.

D) Judges should use a sliding scale and recognize the length of time the contestants are either standing or on the ground, as follows:

1) If 90% of a round was spent on the ground, then:
a) Effective Grappling is weighed first
b) Effective Striking is then weighed

2) If 90 % of a round was standing, then:
a) Effective Striking is weighed first
b) Effective grappling is then weighed

3) If a round ends with 50% standing and 50% grounded, striking and grappling are weighed more equally.

19) OBJECTIVE SCORING CRITERIA:

10-10 Round

A) When both contestants appear to be fighting evenly and neither contestant shows clear dominance in a round.

B) When both contestants suffer equal numbers of legal knockdowns, takedowns, and strikes and neither shows clear dominance in a round.

10-9 Round

A) When a contestant wins by a close margin, landing the greater number of effective legal strikes, grappling and other maneuvers.

B) When a contestant remains in the guard position with no fighter having an edge in striking or grappling, the fighter who scored the legal takedown wins the round.

10-8 Round

A) When a contestant overwhelmingly dominates by striking or grappling in a round.

B) When a contestant adversely affects his opponent by knocking him down from a legal strike, threatening submission attempts, throwing, legal striking while standing or grounded.

10-7 Round

A) When a contestant totally dominates by striking or grappling in a round.

B) When a contestant detrimentally affects his opponent by knocking him down from a legal strike, threatening submission attempts, throwing, legal striking while standing or grounded.