There are a number of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organizations that hold competitions. The best known of these organizations are the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and Pride Fighting Championships. The matches held by these MMA promoters have similar but some differing rules. A basic guide to these rules can be found below.

Weight classes: Like boxing, MMA fighters are divided and compete in different weight classes. The number of categories and weights vary between organization. The UFC has five weight divisions, while Pride Fighting Championships only have two, heavyweight (with no weight limit) and middleweight, with the exception of special events when they have 2 more classes.

Bout Duration: The Ultimate Fighting Championship cage matches are comprised of three five minute rounds (except championship matches which have five) whereas Pride has a grueling 10 minute first round followed by two more 5 minute rounds. Breaks between bouts are generally one minute. Some of the other organizations’ matches consist of just two five minute rounds.

Fouls: What is allowed or prohibited also differs between MMA organizations (but in according with the governments restrictions), but listed below are some of the actions that would be considered fouls in most cage fights:

•    No head-butting, eye gouging, hair pulling, biting or fish hooking (pulling at the cheek with a finger).
•    No strikes to the groin.
•    No strikes to the back of the head, spinal area or heel kicks to the kidneys.
•    No strikes to, or grabs of the throat.
•    No small joint manipulation (control of four or more fingers/toes is necessary).
•    No intentionally throwing your opponent out of the ring.
•    No purposely holding the ring ropes or octagon fence.

Way To Win:
1. Submission or Tap Out (verbal or physical tap out)
2. TKO – Technical Knockout by the referee stopping the contest
3. Decision via scorecards and judges
4. Knockout
5. Disqualification
6. Forfeit

The above is just a rough guide, and if you are serious about competing in any MMA competition you should refer to the individual organizations for their exact rules and regulations.

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