At Black Force MMA, we know that the excitement of an MMA fight is as much about the strategy and skill as it is about the action inside the cage. Whether you’re a fighter or a fan, understanding how fights are scored can enhance your appreciation of the world of MMA.
In this blog, we’ll examine the scoring system used in MMA and what it means for every bout. Continue to learn more.
1. The Basics of MMA Scoring
MMA fights are judged using the 10-Point Must System, the standard scoring method in most promotions. Here’s how it works:
- 10-Point Must System: In each round, the judges award ten points to the fighter they believe won the round. The opponent receives nine or fewer points. A round scored 10-9 indicates a close win for the fighter. If the round is decisively won, it might be scored 10-8. The fighter who wins the majority of the rounds wins the fight.
2. Key Scoring Criteria
Judges assess each round based on several critical criteria:
- Effective Striking: This includes the quality and impact of strikes. It’s not just about how many punches or kicks land, but how well they land and their effect on the opponent. Powerful and precise strikes that visibly impact the opponent score higher.
- Effective Grappling: This involves evaluating takedowns, submission attempts, and ground control. Judges look for successful takedowns, effective position use, and control over the opponent. Successful submission attempts and significant ground control can heavily influence scoring.
- Octagon Control: This measures which fighter dictates the pace and location of the fight. The fighter who controls the center of the cage and drives the action can score higher in this category.
- Defense: While not the primary focus, effective defense is considered. Fighters who avoid damage and successfully counter their opponent’s attacks show skill and awareness, which can influence the judges’ perception.
3. Understanding Round Scores
- Close Rounds: If a round is very close, judges might give it to the fighter who was more active or who landed the more impactful strikes. Sometimes, a fighter who appears more dominant in a close round might get the edge.
- 10-8 Rounds: A 10-8 score indicates a fighter’s apparent dominance in a round. This could be due to a significant knockdown, substantial damage, or overwhelming control. A 10-8 round reflects a noticeable performance gap.
- Draws: While rare, a fight can end in a draw if judges score it as evenly matched. This can happen if each fighter wins an equal number of rounds or if there is a significant debate over the close rounds.
4. The Role of Judges
Each fight is typically judged by three officials who observe from different angles around the cage. Their independent scores are combined to determine the overall winner. The judges’ decisions are final but can sometimes be controversial, as different judges may interpret the fight differently.
5. Controversies and Common Misunderstandings
Scoring in MMA can be contentious, and fans may disagree with judges’ decisions. Understanding the criteria and how judges evaluate each aspect of the fight can help clarify why a particular decision was made. Scoring is subjective, and various factors can influence how a fight is judged.
6. Applying Scoring to Your Viewing Experience
To better understand fight outcomes, watch with the scoring criteria in mind. Observe which fighter is landing effective strikes, controlling the cage, and showing strong grappling skills. This will give you insight into how judges might score the fight and help you appreciate the tactical aspects of MMA.
Stay Tuned to Black Force MMA for More Mixed Martial Arts Tips & Insights
From Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Muay Thai, grasping the MMA scoring system adds depth to your experience of the sport, whether you’re training at our Ladson MMA gym or cheering from the sidelines. By understanding the criteria and how fights are judged, you gain a richer appreciation for the skill, strategy, and drama that define MMA.
Stay tuned for more insights, techniques, and updates from Black Force MMA, where we’re dedicated to bringing you closer to the heart of the sport. Reach out for more information.