MMA rules
What are the Unified Rules of MMA?
The Unified Rules are the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports' framework for MMA contests. They cover rounds, officials, fouls, equipment and results. For a particular fight, check the edition and any changes adopted by its host commission.
On this page
Follow one round
Under the ABC's 2025 professional edition a round lasts five minutes with one minute between rounds, up to five rounds. The referee manages the action and enforces the rules. The judges score the rounds that go to the cards. An amateur tournament can use a different format.
Read a scorecard
Judges apply the ten-point must system round by round. A fighter who edges a round typically gets 10 to the opponent's 9 before any deduction. A wider margin can earn a 10–8. When looking at a takedown, ask what the landing, follow-up strikes or submission threat achieved. The ABC's scoring clarification stresses the effect of legal offense.
Match the date to the local rule
The ABC's August 2026 document lists a requested November 2027 implementation for its 2026 changes. New York had already adopted specific 2024 changes for professional MMA. For an upcoming card, get the rules notice from the overseeing commission. The newest PDF by date and the rules in force for that night can differ.