UFC Scoring Rules
Scoring System
Fights are scored using a 10-point must system. The winner of each round is awarded 10 points, while the loser receives 9 points or less (down to 7). Draws or ties within rounds are possible but uncommon.
Criteria for Scoring
Judges score rounds based on the following criteria, in order of importance:
Effective Striking and Grappling: Judged based on impact, successful strikes, and dominance in grappling.
Effective Aggressiveness: Applies if striking and grappling are deemed equal; judges prioritize forward aggression and engagement.
Octagon Control: Used when both striking and grappling and aggression are equal; involves controlling the pace, place, and position of the fight.
Fight Outcomes
Decision: If the fight doesn’t end prior to the end of the final round, the fight goes to the judges for scoring to determine a winner.
Unanimous Decision: All judges score the fight for one fighter.
Split Decision: Two judges score the fight for one fighter, one for the other.
Majority Decision: Two judges score for one fighter, and one scores a draw.
Draws: Majority, split, or unanimous draw, depending on judges’ scores.
Knockout (KO) or Technical Knockout (TKO): Fighter is rendered unconscious or unable to defend.
Disqualification (DQ): Fighter is disqualified for violating rules, awarding a win to the opponent. If a fighter is DQ, the opposing fighter will be awarded a knockout win.
Submission: Fighter taps out or is incapacitated due to a submission hold (ending the fight).
Grading Rules
Significant Strikes Landed are impactful strikes intended to cause meaningful damage or gain a strategic advantage, typically targeting vulnerable areas like the head, body, or legs. Significant Strikes Landed are determined by official UFC scorers.
Void and Push: If a fight is ruled a No Contest, your pick will be marked as void. For more information on our Void Policy see here.
Draw Rules: If a fight ends in a draw, your pick will grade normally.
Unusual Situations
Technical Decision: If the fight is stopped after the halfway point due to an accidental foul, judges’ scorecards are used to determine a winner.
Scorecards after Fouls or Stoppages: If an accidental foul causes the fight to stop before half the rounds are complete, it may be ruled a No Contest.