Criteria for Judging MMA Fights

Judging in MMA is based on the 10-point must system, where judges score each round from 10-9 or lower. They evaluate effectiveness of striking, grappling, control of the action, and aggression, awarding the higher score to the fighter who demonstrates cleaner, more consistent techniques and ringside control. If a round is even, it's scored a 10-10. The fighter with the most points after all rounds wins. If no clear winner emerges, it may result in a split or majority draw. Judges aim to reflect who was more effective overall during the fight.