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UFC Scoring Rules
Updated over a month ago

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.

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