How MMA bouts are scored (and why close fights split)
Effective striking and grappling, then aggression, then cage control. Understanding the criteria helps you fight for the judges.
The criteria
- Effective striking and grappling — impact matters more than volume.
- Effective aggression — only considered if the first criterion is even.
- Fighting area control — the tie-breaker of tie-breakers.
Why rounds split
Judges sit at different angles and see different exchanges. A round with one big shot versus constant light work can reasonably go either way.
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