Everything You Need to Know about the Story and the Points System in the UFC

The UFC, which stands for Ultimate Fighting Championship, is a mixed martial arts (initials MMA) organization that takes place in the United States, with Las Vegas being the absolute epicentre and the headquarters of the WME-IMG-led company. Originally, the goal was to identify the best fighter in the world by opening up a fight that would include any style in line with the Brazilian “vale tudo” model. Over time, however, the inclusion of rules became necessary for the movement, which then revisited its initial theories to create an entertainment spectacle more aligned with public tastes. 

Popularity effectively soared so much that the federation’s programs are now shown in 130 countries around the world, with expansionist aims not yet concluded. Perhaps this has been the UFCs strength: its ability to adapt by changing its form depending on the period and context, thus bringing it closer to the general public that initially watched from afar and with distrust.

UFC Story and Points System Explained

When Did the UFC Start?

The first event was held on November 12, 1993, in Denver, to publicize Brazilian jiu-jitsu. From a one-shot show, its success meant that it then became a long series of events and, consequently, opened up viewing and UFC betting all over the world. Several legends came out of the various fights. These included Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock, Patrick Smith, Dan Severn, Marco Ruas, Gary Goodridge, Don Frye, Kimo Leopoldo, Oleg Taktarov, and Tank Abbott.

UFC Tournament Rules

Do you know how the UFC matches work? The system is not that hard to understand! The matches consist of three or five rounds lasting five minutes each. The most important bouts (main event) and those decisive for the awarding of the title have five rounds; all others, however, stop at three. Fights occur in an octagonal-shaped cage (The Octagon) encased by 2-yard (1.8 m) high metal lattice walls. This cage has a diameter of 10 yards (9.1 m), and plenty of padding protects the fighters from getting injured on the structure.

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Several rules have been incorporated to make the show more ethical. For example, there are some behaviours deemed improper by wrestlers that, if used, immediately lead to their disqualification. The record for titles belongs to the American Randy Couture, while the best fighter is Jim Miller, who has the most wins. The women’s side has enjoyed great success, producing legendary fighters such as Ronda Rousey, Amanda Nunes and Valentina Shevchenko, among others.

How Is a Round Awarded in the UFC?

To properly understand the awarding of points in a UFC bout, one must start with winning a single round. In combat sports, the judges generally determine the winner and loser of the round. The former is awarded 10 points, while the latter is awarded only nine or even less.

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There are instances, albeit very rare, in which the match ends in a draw, but this is something the organization avoids. In the event of a tie, however, the match ends with a score of 10-10. The judge’s task is to determine whether the winner has dominated the round and to count any fouls for which a point should be deducted for each infraction committed by the athlete.

The Timekeeper and the Round System

The Ultimate Fighting Championship requires the presence of a timekeeper whose duties are to keep track of the start of each round (initiated, however, by the referee) and the number of rounds fought. In addition, he/she must stop and start time at time-outs (when called by the referee) and signal the end of the match. Using a siren loud enough to be heard by all participants in the match (referee, judges, athletes, and respective cornermen) is mandatory.

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The referee has the authority to interrupt the time of a bout for the following reasons: the wrestler’s loss of equipment; physical problems caused by fouls; need for medical intervention; or the end of a round or the bout. Matches may have 2 or 3 rounds of 5 minutes each, while title matches have 5 rounds of 5 minutes each. There can be no overtime.

Judges’ Criteria in the UFC

The starting point for judges is, of course, impartiality. Once this is certified, they must determine the winner of a bout that has reached the maximum time limit based on the following criteria: clean strikes, effective grappling, Octagon control, and effective aggression. Regarding the first point, the striker who hits the hardest with effective strikes deserves more credit from the judges than the total number of strikes landed. Grappling consists of other combat techniques, such as throws and trips, and the judge must evaluate if these occurred cleanly. Octagon control is an athlete’s ability to dictate the pace, location, and fight’s position. Effective aggressiveness is the desire to attack first, to bring the bout home – an attitude that referees reward.