Learn which techniques are legal, how fights are scored and why rules differ between promotions.
Under the Unified Rules, the winner of a round receives ten points and the loser nine or fewer. Effective striking and grappling come first. Aggressiveness and control are only considered when the effective offense is even.
Read guideProfessional MMA allows striking, kicks, takedowns and submissions. Most bouts use three five-minute rounds and championship bouts use five. Eye gouging, biting, attacks to the spine or back of the head and manipulation of small joints are among the core fouls.
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