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The Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) provide a clear set of rules for professional MMA competition. These rules remain the same across different athletic commissions and regulatory bodies. The Unified Rules were proposed and agreed upon by various athletic commissions in the 2000s. On July 30, 2009, the Association of Boxing Commissions unanimously adopted these rules.
The Unified Rules of MMA govern:
– How judges score fights
– What actions are considered fouls
– What substances are prohibited
– The number of rounds per fight and round duration
– The different weight classes
– Medical requirements for fighters
– What fighters can wear and use for equipment
UFC follows the Unified Rules of MMA. The UFC also has the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, which has stricter rules about prohibited substances than the Unified Rules require. UFC has supported the Unified Rules since November 2000. The rules help keep fighters safe and ensure fair competition by providing consistent rules for the sport.
The following actions are considered fouls under the Unified Rules:
– Butting with the head
– Gouging the eyes
– Biting or spitting at an opponent
– Fish hooking (inserting fingers in mouth or nose)
– Pulling hair
– Spiking an opponent headfirst to the canvas
– Striking the spine or back of the head
– Throat strikes or grabbing the trachea
– Outstretching fingers towards eyes
– Downward elbow strikes
– Groin attacks
– Kneeing or kicking a downed opponent’s head
– Stomping a downed opponent
– Holding opponent’s gloves or shorts
– Holding the cage or ropes
– Manipulating small joints
– Throwing opponent out of the ring
– Inserting fingers into any orifice or cut
– Clawing, pinching or twisting flesh
– Being timid or faking injury
– Using abusive language
– Disobeying the referee
– Unsportsmanlike conduct that injures opponent
– Attacking after the bell
– Attacking during a break
– Attacking when referee has intervened
– Corner interference
Fouls can result in point deductions, disqualifications, or other penalties from the referee. Only referees can officially call fouls during a fight.