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Understanding the UFC: Rules, Weight Classes, and Fouls

Discover the rules, weight classes, and fouls that shape the UFC. This comprehensive guide provides insights into the world of mixed martial arts.

Topic Summary
UFC Rule-Set The UFC follows the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, with championship bouts consisting of five rounds and regular fights consisting of three rounds. Scoring is based on a ten-point system, with damage being a key factor.
Fight Outcomes Fights can end in knockouts, submissions, or decisions. Knockouts and submissions lead to an immediate end, while decisions are determined by judges based on dominance.
Weight Classes The UFC organizes fights based on weight classes, ranging from flyweight to heavyweight for men and strawweight to bantamweight for women.
Forbidden Moves Certain moves, such as headbutts, biting, and eye gouging, are strictly prohibited in the UFC.
Fouls The UFC has a list of fouls, including grabbing the opponent’s gloves, striking the back of the head, and executing 12-6 elbows.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship: A Closer Look

The world of mixed martial arts is governed by the Unified Rules, which are followed by the UFC. This article will delve into the rules, weight classes, and fouls that shape the sport.

The UFC Rule-Set

The UFC’s rule-set is based on the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts. Championship bouts consist of five rounds, each lasting five minutes. Regular fights are three rounds, also lasting five minutes.

Scoring Criteria

At the end of each round, judges determine the winner based on a ten-point system. The winner of the round receives 10 points, while the loser receives 9 or fewer points. Damage inflicted, such as knockdowns, plays a crucial role in scoring.

Fight Outcomes

Fights can end in various ways. Knockouts, submissions, and decisions are the most common outcomes. A knockout or submission ends the fight immediately, while decisions are determined by the judges based on dominance.

Weight Classes

The UFC organizes fights based on weight classes. For men, the weight classes range from flyweight (125 pounds) to heavyweight (265 pounds). Women’s divisions include strawweight (115 pounds), flyweight (125 pounds), and bantamweight (135 pounds).

Forbidden Moves

While the UFC allows various strikes and submissions, there are strict rules against certain moves. Illegal moves include headbutts, biting, hair-pulling, and eye gouging. Fish-hooking and small joint manipulation are also prohibited.

Fouls

Several actions are considered fouls in the UFC. These include grabbing the opponent’s gloves, striking the back of the head, and executing 12-6 elbows. Knees and kicks to the head of a downed opponent are also not allowed.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the UFC’s rules, weight classes, and fouls. Understanding these aspects is crucial for any MMA enthusiast.