After all this time, I am still befuddled by the UFC scoring.

My first question, is the 10-point-must system a standard in MMA throughout the US? I would assume that it is, and that the basis for this is the fight commissions (am I right?).

Secondly, how did this system come to be imposed on MMA in the first place? Is it merely a result of the boxing commission's takeover of the regulation of the sport of MMA? (Another speculation.)

Third, is anybody aware of any serious efforts which have been undertaken to reform the scoring system? I am aware that there have been a number of MMA expos and conferences, however I would be interesting to know if this issue has been seriously addressed.


If you do not agree that the UFC scoring system is flawed, let me give one example. In a three round fight, if one fighter wins 2 rounds to 1, but is penalized 1 point during the fight for a foul (i.e. Ortiz-Evans), the fight is a de-facto draw. Contrast this with a 10-round boxing match (for which the system was devised), in which a point-deduction is the equivalent of a half-round, which essentially translates to 1/20th of the scoring criteria.

After all this time, I am still befuddled by the UFC scoring.

My first question, is the 10-point-must system a standard in MMA throughout the US? I would assume that it is, and that the basis for this is the fight commissions (am I right?).

Secondly, how did this system come to be imposed on MMA in the first place? Is it merely a result of the boxing commission's takeover of the regulation of the sport of MMA? (Another speculation.)

Third, is anybody aware of any serious efforts which have been undertaken to reform the scoring system? I am aware that there have been a number of MMA expos and conferences, however I would be interesting to know if this issue has been seriously addressed.


If you do not agree that the UFC scoring system is flawed, let me give one example. In a three round fight, if one fighter wins 2 rounds to 1, but is penalized 1 point during the fight for a foul (i.e. Ortiz-Evans), the fight is a de-facto draw. Contrast this with a 10-round boxing match (for which the system was devised), in which a point-deduction is the equivalent of a half-round, which essentially translates to 1/20th of the scoring criteria.

Yes i agree with you, taking 1 point away in a three round fight is HUGE...makes no sense actually.

1. Pretty much yes. Any state that sanctions mma uses the 'unified rules' which include no kicks/knees to the head of a downed opponent, three five minute rounds for non title fights, five five minute rounds for non title fights....and 10 point must system for scoring.

2. Yup. When states took control of regulation, they used a system that they were familiar with. Especially since when regulation first started alot of times they just used their regular boxing judges who didn't have any knowledge of MMA. In places like Nevada boxing people like Tony Weeks, Adylade Byrd (sp?) still judge MMA but they've been doing it for a while so they know how the sport works and understand the kicking and grappling etc.

But in states that just recently started regulating MMA they will throw their boxing judges on MMA cards with no idea what's happening.

3. Not that I'm aware of. It would have to be a north america wide effort to change something like that to avoid having confusion with different rules in different states. IE the UFC does a show in Nevada and it's scored one way, then they go to Texas and it's completely different.

I've heard people complain about the scoring system, but I've yet to hear of a GOOD alternative scoring system.

The only good idea I've heard is the implication of a 10-10 round... because with rounds that are 5 minutes long... sometimes they're just too damn close.

I think they should score the fight as a whole.

I also think they should introduce Yellow Cards like they did in Pride to encourage fighters to actually come in there an fight for their purse.