About MMA
For those of you who are completely new to the UFC: General rules and fight mode explained.
General
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a world-renowned mixed martial arts (MMA) organization. The UFC rules were developed by the California State Athletic Commission and include rules for striking and kicking techniques, throws, takedowns, and ground fighting.
In UFC fighting format, two fighters battle each other in a cage (the Octagon), with the goal of defeating their opponent by knockout, technical knockout, or submission. Fights are contested in rounds, with each round lasting 5 minutes. There is a one-minute break between rounds. The number of rounds depends on the type of fight, but most UFC fights consist of 3 or 5 rounds (title fights, main events). A distinction is made between Fight Nights, the supposedly "less important" events, and numbered events (e.g., UFC 280), in which more prestige or titles are at stake. If there is no early winner in a fight, i.e., there is no "finish," three judges score the fight round by round.
It's important to note that dangerous techniques, such as headbutting a prone opponent, are prohibited and can lead to disqualification. Furthermore, fighters can be penalized with point deductions for violations of certain rules, such as spitting on an opponent, insults, or unsportsmanlike conduct.
The goal of mixed martial arts is to provide a balanced and fair duel that tests the combatants' skills and abilities. It is an intense and demanding sport that requires a combination of physical strength, speed, technique, and tactics.
Divisions and rankings
In the UFC there are three female and eight male weight classes, also known as divisions:
Strawweight (115 lbs)
Flyweight (125 lbs)
Bantamweight (135 lbs)
Featherweight (145 lbs)
Lightweight (155 lbs)
Welterweight (170 lbs)
Middleweight (185 lbs)
Light Heavyweight (205 lbs)
Heavyweight (265 lbs)
These divisions ensure that fighters can compete against opponents of a similar body weight, resulting in fairer fights.
The UFC also has a ranking system that evaluates the performance and success of fighters in each division. The rankings are updated regularly and are based on factors such as fights, wins, losses, technical knockouts, and submissions. The top fighters in each division are listed first in the rankings and generally have the right to a title shot.
The ranking system helps identify potential challengers for the title holder and determine who is next in line for a title shot.
The ranking system and weight classes help keep the UFC organized and fair, ensuring that the best fighters in each division can compete and showcase their skills.