Potential updates to the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts are currently under consideration.
Annually, the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) convenes to discuss potential rule modifications in combat sports. Reports indicate that this year`s conference will focus on amending the scoring criteria within the Unified Rules of MMA to enhance clarity regarding round scoring.
According to initial reports from Sportsnet, the proposed amendments are intended to offer more detailed guidelines for judges, aiming to reduce the current ambiguity and confusion surrounding scoring in the public eye. The new language is expected to provide clearer definitions of `effective striking and grappling` and emphasize the importance of `damage,` explaining precisely what it encompasses.
The proposed update also includes clarifications for scoring categories (10-10, 10-9, 10-8, and 10-7 rounds), with a particular focus on 10-8 rounds. The current rules allow a 10-8 score if a fighter demonstrates at least two out of the three scoring criteria: Damage, Dominance, and Duration. The new proposal would mandate that `Damage` must be one of the two necessary factors for a round to be scored 10-8.
The ABC is scheduled to vote on these proposed changes at their upcoming conference, taking place in New Orleans from August 4th to 6th.
MMA Bout Scoring
All MMA bouts will be scored by a minimum of three judges. They will evaluate each round independently, awarding points to the fighter who demonstrated superior effectiveness.
Fighter Effectiveness Concepts
Judges are instructed to assess the relative effectiveness of each competitor in every round based on the following three prioritized and interconnected concepts:
Damage:
Defined as the result of legal fighting techniques that diminish an opponent’s physical capacity and/or their will to continue competing. Damage is considered the most crucial factor in scoring a round as it represents a direct result of effective fighting, measuring the effect on the opponent. It includes both immediate and cumulative impact towards potentially ending the match, with immediate damage within a round taking priority over cumulative damage within that same round.
Dominance:
Defined as one fighter`s superiority in positioning, actions, and/or output maintained over a sustained duration. It signifies the imposition or demonstration of advanced skills and effectiveness, often creating tactical or strategic advantages aimed at inflicting damage.
Duration:
Defined as the amount of time or the percentage of a round during which one fighter successfully applies effective techniques, thereby establishing dominance or inflicting damage.
Effective Fighting Techniques
Judges are to assess the relative effectiveness of each fighter`s Mixed Martial Arts techniques. The effectiveness of successful striking and grappling is intended to be the primary factor determining the score in most rounds.
However, if judges find no clear advantage in either effective striking or grappling, they may consider other factors (though not explicitly detailed in this section) to decide the round winner.
Note: Successful striking and grappling are weighted equally, as both are evaluated based on the results of effective fighting.
Numerical Scoring System
The standard method for scoring bouts will continue to be the 10-Point Must System.
In the 10-Point Must System, the winner of a round is awarded 10 points, while the loser receives 9 points or fewer. In exceptional cases, an even round can be scored 10-10.
Points deducted due to referee penalties are reflected on the judges` scorecards. In cases of a technical decision occurring after the majority of rounds are completed, judges must score any incomplete rounds. It`s important to note that judges do not score defensive actions, as defense merely enables a fighter to remain in the contest; only effective offensive actions contribute to scoring.
