UFC Scoring System and How it Has Evolved Since Early MMA
The UFC scoring system is a way to determine the winner in MMA fights. It has evolved over time, and it is essential for understanding when a fighter can win or lose based on how many rounds they have won and lost.
The scoring system was initially only about “damage” but now includes consideration of effective striking, grappling, takedowns, and octagon control.
The 10-point must system means that fighters need to do more than just damage their opponents if they want to win rounds. Instead, they must display overall dominance and leave absolutely no doubt who the winner is.
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How Do You Score an MMA Fight?
Scoring an MMA fight is no easy task, which is why the 10-point must system is used. This system has been adapted from boxing and was first used at UFC 21 by “Big” John McCarthy. It gives the fighters a clear way to determine who won rounds and allows judges to give partial credit when appropriate.
Under this system, if a round ends with no clear-cut winner, the fighter with the most effective striking, grappling, takedowns, and octagon control will be given the 10-point score. The only way for a round to be declared a draw is if there are point deductions.
Who is the best UFC fighter ever?
While determining an actual best fighter is impossible, according to statistics, Jon Jones is the most successful UFC fighter to date. He has a record of 22 wins and 1 loss. His one loss was by disqualification, which means he is actually undefeated in the octagon.
Jones is known for his all-around combative excellence, which enables him to get in his opponent’s head and often beat other fighters at their own strengths. This was exemplified when he fought Chael Sonnen, taking Sonnen down quickly and scoring a TKO victory due to ground and pound.
How are Fights Scored in the UFC?
Each of the three judges has the same scoring criteria, which means that each round is scored as equally as possible. Of course, perspectives can still vary wildly, which is why Dana White always tells fighters “never leave it in the hands of the judges.”
What Were the Most Controversially Scored Fights in UFC History?
There are many examples of fights being controversially scored, including Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson in September 2013, where many fans considered Gustafsson to be the winner, but Jones got the nod from the judges.
Jon Jones vs. Glover Teixeira was another controversial MMA fight, with one judge scoring the bout in favor of Teixeira, and two judges scoring it for Jones.
Can a Fight’s Score Be Overturned Later?
No, a fight’s score cannot be overturned later. The decision made by the judges is final, and no scoring changes can be made after the fact. The only way a fight can be overturned is if one of the combatants has broken the rules.
Why Do People Hate the UFC Scoring System?
For the most part, people hate the UFC scoring system because they believe that it encourages fighters to be less aggressive. Instead of violently finishing their opponents, they are often content to “lay and pray” or control the fight using only their most powerful techniques.
While this may make sense for fighters who depend on winner purses to pay their bills, it does not align with the spirit of combat sports or modern MMA. Fans are tired of seeing boring fights, where neither fighter even tries to finish the other.
Are Other MMA Events Scored Differently?
All fights that are orchestrated under the unified rules of MMA will use the same 10-point-must system as the UFC. Amateur fights may be scored differently, but this is usually due to how many rounds are used. Since UFC matches are either three or five rounds long, the 10-point must system is always applicable.
How the UFC Scoring System Works: Step-by-Step
Now let’s really break things down and talk about exactly how the scoring system in the biggest MMA promotion on Earth works.
- Three judges score a fight. Each round is scored as equally as possible, with the fighter having the most effective striking, grappling, takedowns, and octagon control getting the 10-point score.
- If a round ends with no clear winner, the fighter who is most active in that round will be given the 10-point score. For example, if a fighter scores two takedowns and his opponent only lands one punch in a round, then that fighter will get the 10-point score.
- Any point deductions due to penalties are also factored into the equation. If a fighter commits a foul, they may be docked points depending on how severe the infraction was. Point deductions are made by the referee and are subtracted from the total points awarded in the round where the foul took place.
When Are Fights Scored Unanimously?
A unanimous decision victory is when all three judges score the fight for the same fighter. For a unanimous decision to be rendered, all three judges must see the same fighter as the winner, even if they don’t agree on each individual round.
A majority decision is when two out of three judges score the fight in favor of the same fighter, and the third judge scores it a draw. This is different from a split decision, in which two judges score a fight in favor of one fighter while the third judge scores it for the other.
Do All Decision Victories Count the Same?
Technically yes, but because there is no hard math to UFC matchmaking. This means that a stunning victory by knockout or submission may be more important for advancement than the number of total victories if they’re all split decisions from boring fights.
What is a 10-8 Round in the UFC?
When a round is scored 10-8, it is a good indication that one fighter was vastly superior to the other. 10-8 rounds are typically only awarded if one combatant came close to finishing the other.
10-7 rounds are even rarer and usually occur when a fighter has a point deducted in addition to losing 10-8.
Conclusion: The UFC Scoring System Could Be Better, But It Works For Now
The UFC Scoring System is not perfect. It has its flaws and weaknesses, but it’s a work in progress that may yet improve with time.
In the meantime, we’re living in an age of combat sports where safety is paramount, and fighters need to be protected from themselves. We can’t have one fighter winning because he or she was too lazy to finish the other guy off when there are multiple rounds on tap for them to do so.
Want to learn more about the UFC, MMA, and how it all works? Check out this article about dirty boxing in MMA!