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Mixed martial artists shall be divided into the following classes:
C Class:
0-3 matches
Name lb
Flyweight below 112 lb
Super flyweight 112 – 114.9 lb
Bantamweight 115 – 117.9 lb
Super bantamweight 118 – 121.9 lb
Featherweight 122 – 125.9 lb
Super featherweight 126 – 129.9 lb
Lightweight 130 – 134.9 lb
Super lightweight 135 – 139.9 lb
Welterweight 140 –146.9 lb
Super welterweight 147 – 153.9 lb
Middleweight 154 – 159.9 lb
Super middleweight 160 – 166.9 lb
Light heavyweight 167 – 173.9 lb
Super light heavyweight 174 – 182.9 lb
Cruiserweight 183 – 188.9 lb
Super cruiserweight 189 – 197.9 lb
Heavyweight 198 – 208.9 lb
Super heavyweight above 209 lb
B Class:
3-6 matches
Flyweight below 125.9 lb.
Featherweight 126-134.9 lb.
Lightweight 135- 144.9 lb.
Light welterweight 145-154.9 lb
Welterweight 155-169.9 lb
Light middleweight 170-184.9 lb
Middleweight 185-204.9 lb
Light heavyweight 205-224.9lb
Cruiserweight 225-244.9 lb
Heavyweight 245-264.9 lb
Super Heavyweight above 265 lb
A Class
6 matches and above
Flyweight below 125.9 lb.
Featherweight 126-134.9 lb.
Lightweight 135- 144.9 lb.
Light welterweight 145-154.9 lb
Welterweight 155-169.9 lb
Light middleweight 170-184.9 lb
Middleweight 185-204.9 lb
Light heavyweight 205-224.9lb
Cruiserweight 225-244.9 lb
Heavyweight 245-264.9 lb
Super Heavyweight above 265 lb
Note: Competitors/trainers & coaches may challenge C & B classes for
competitors wishing to move into advance divisions based on skill level /
performance levels and previous martial art experience/ unarmed combat
experience. Example. A competitor who has previously competed in such
sports as Am. Boxing. or Am Kickboxing.
Until the age of 18 years old competitors must fight with in 24 months of
age of each other.
If a competitor has no more than 2 pro fights the competitor may petition
MMABC to return to Amateur competition and will be evaluated on an
individual basis.
Blood work and fit to fight forms:
A class competitors will be subject to annual blood work tests consisting of
HIV, Hep B & C and will be required to have a physical performed by aphysician completing a fit to fight form provided by MMABC.
Fighting area
Ring or Cage
(a) The fighting area canvas shall be no smaller than 16 feet by 16
feet and no larger than 30 feet by 30 feet. The fighting area canvas
shall be padded in a manner as approved by MMABC, with at least
one inch layer of foam padding. Padding shall extend beyond the
fighting area and over the edge of the platform. The fighting area
shall be covered with a non abrasive material as to prevent the
tearing or irritation of the skin.
(b) The fighting area canvas shall not be more than four feet above
the floor of the building and shall have suitable steps or ramp for
use by the participants. Posts shall be made of metal not more than
six inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a
minimum height of 58 inches above the fighting area canvas and
shall be properly padded in a manner approved by MMABC.
(c) When using a Cage the fighting area/ canvas area shall be
enclosed by a fence made of such material as will not allow a
fighter to fall out or break through it onto the floor or spectators,
including, but not limited to, vinyl coated chain link fencing. When
using a Boxing ring there must be a minimum of 4 ropes with the
bottom rope maximum of 10 inches from the canvas and a
minimum of 6 inches from the canvas and the top rope must be at 5
feet above the canvas floor. All metal parts shall be covered and
padded in a manner approved by MMABC and shall not be
abrasive to the contestants.Stools:
(a) A ring stool of a type approved by MMABC shall be available
for each contestant.
Equipment:
For each bout, the promoter shall provide a clean water bucket.
Specifications for bandages on mixed martial artist’s hands:
(a) In all weight classes, the bandages on each contestant’s hand
shall be restricted to soft gauze cloth not more than 13 yards in
length and two inches in width, held in place by not more than 10
feet of surgeon’s tape, one inch in width, for each hand.
(b) Surgeon’s adhesive tape shall be placed directly on each hand
for protection near the wrist. The tape may cross the back of the
hand but may not extend to cover the knuckles when the hand is
clenched to make a fist.
(c) The bandages shall be evenly distributed across the hand.
(d) Bandages and tape shall be placed on the contestant’s hands in
the dressing room in the presence of an inspector appointed by
MMABC.(e) Under no circumstances are gloves to be placed on the hands of
a contestant until the approval of the inspector is received.
Mouth pieces
(a) All contestants are required to wear a mouthpiece during
competition. The mouthpiece shall be subject to examination and
approval by the attending physician.
(b) A fighter may not begin a round without his/her mouthpiece in
place.
(c) If the mouthpiece is involuntarily dislodged during
competition, the referee shall call time, clean the mouthpiece and
reinsert the mouthpiece at the first opportune moment, without
interfering with the immediate action.
Protective equipment
(a) Male and Female mixed martial artists must wear a groin
protector of their own selection, of a type approved by the
MMABC.
(b) Female mixed martial artists may wear a chest protector during
competition if they choose. The chest protector shall be subject to
approval of the Commissioner.
Gloves(a) All contestants shall wear gloves that are a minimum of six
ounces in weight per glove, supplied by the promoter and approved
by the MMABC. No contestant shall supply their own gloves for
participation.
Apparel
(a) Each contestant shall wear mixed martial arts shorts,
biking shorts, or kick-boxing shorts. No abrasive material,
zippers, clasps of any kind may be exposed on the
competitor’s choice of apparel. Female competitors must
wear a rashguard shirt approved by MMABC.
(b) Gi’s or shirts are prohibited during competition
(c) Shoes are prohibited during competition.
(d) C class fighters must wear a type of shin and instep pad
approved by the MMABC.
Appearance
(a) Fingers and toe nails of contestants must be neatly trimmed
ensuring that there are no sharp edges to their nails..
(b) Hair shall be trimmed or tied back in such a manner as not to
interfere with the vision of either contestant or cover any part of a
contestant’s face.
(c) Jewelry or piercing accessories are prohibited during
competition.
Round length:
C Class Division:
(a) Each non-championship mixed martial arts contest shall be 3rounds, of 2 minutes duration, with a one minute rest period
between rounds.
B Class :
(a) Each non-championship mixed martial arts contest shall be 3
rounds, of 3 minutes duration, with a one minute rest period
between rounds.
A Class:
(a) Each non-championship mixed martial arts contest shall be 3
rounds, of 3 minutes duration, with a one minute rest period
between rounds.
(b) Each championship mixed martial arts contest shall be 5
rounds, of 3 minutes duration, with a one minute rest period
between rounds.
Stopping a contest
The referee and attending physician are the sole arbiters of a bout
and are the only individuals authorized to enter the fighting area at
any time during competition and authorized to stop a contest. The
Appointed Chief Second Cornerperson of the competitor may
verbally bring to the attention of the referee that he/she wants the
bout stopped to protect their competitor.
Judging
(a) All bouts will be evaluated and scored by three judges.
(b) The 10-Point Must System will be the standard system ofscoring a bout. Under the 10-Point Must Scoring System, 10 points
must be awarded to the winner of the round and nine points or less
must be awarded to the loser, except for an even round, which is
scored 10-10.
(c) Judges will score the bout according to proficiency in Mixed
Martial Arts techniques, which will include, effective
striking/grappling, take downs/throws, control of the fighting area,
effective aggressiveness and defense.
(d) Evaluations shall be made in the order in which the techniques
appear in (c) above, giving the most weight in scoring equally to
effective striking and effective grappling, down to the least weight
in scoring being given to defense..
(e) Effective striking is judged by determining the total number of
legal heavy strikes landed by a contestant.
(f) Effective grappling is judged by considering the amount of
successful executions of a legal takedown and reversals. Examples
of factors to consider are take downs from standing position to
mount position, passing the guard to mount position, and bottom
position fighters using an active, threatening guard.
(g) Fighting area control is judged by determining who is dictating
the pace, location and position of the bout. Examples of factors to
consider are countering a grappler’s attempt at takedown by
remaining standing and legally striking ; taking down an opponent
to force a ground fight; creating threatening submission attempts,
passing the guard to achieve mount, and creating striking
opportunities.(h) Effective aggressiveness means moving forward and landing a
legal strike or applying effective “catch” positions while trying to
apply a legal submission hold.
(i) Effective defense means avoiding being struck, submitted, taken
down or reversed while countering with offensive attacks.
(j) The following objective scoring criteria shall be utilized by the
judges when scoring a round;
1. A round is to be scored as a 10-10 Round when both contestants
appear to be fighting evenly and neither contestant shows clear
dominance in a round;
2. A round is to be scored as a 10-9 Round when a contestant wins
by a close margin, executing the greater number of effective legal
strikes and/or grappling techniques;
3. A round is to be scored as a 10-8 Round when a contestant
overwhelmingly dominates by striking and/or grappling in that
round.
Warnings
(a) The referee shall issue a single warning to the
following infractions. After the initial warning, if the
prohibited conduct persists a penalty will be issued.
The penalty may result in a deduction of points or
disqualification.1. Holding or grabbing the fence or ropes.
2. Holding an opponent’s shorts or gloves.
3. The presence of a contestant’s corner person(s) on the
fighting canvas while a match is in progress. This
includes the ring or cage apron.
Fouls
1. Butting with the head.
2. Eye gouging of any kind.
3. Biting.
4. Hair pulling.
5. Fish hooking.
6. Groin attacks of any kind.
7. Putting a finger into any orifice or into any cut or
laceration
on an opponent.
8. Small joint manipulation.
9. Striking to the spine or the back of the head.
10. Striking downward using the point of the elbow.
11. Throat strikes of any kind, including, without
limitation,
grabbing the trachea.
12. Clawing, pinching or twisting the flesh.
13. Grabbing the clavicle.
14. Kicking the head of a grounded opponent.
15. Kneeing the head of a grounded opponent.
16. Stomping a grounded opponent.
17. Kicking to the kidney with the heel.
18. Spiking an opponent to the canvas on his head or
neck.
19.Deliberately throwing one’s opponent out of the ring
or fenced are, or off the fighting surface.
20. Holding the shorts or gloves of an opponent.
21. Spitting at an opponent.
22. Engaging in an unsportsmanlike conduct that causes
an injury to an
opponent.23. Holding the ropes or the fence.
24. Using abusive language in the ring or fenced area.
25. Attacking an opponent on or during the break.
26. Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the
referee.
27. Attacking an opponent after the bell has sounded
the end of the
period of unarmed combat.
28. Flagrantly disregarding the instructions of the
referee.
29. Timidity, including, without limitation, avoiding
contact with an
opponent, intentionally or consistently dropping the
mouthpiece or
faking an injury.
30. Interference by the corner.
31. Throwing in the towel during competition.
C Class Fouls B Class Fouls
Striking with the fist to the head of an opponent
standing or grounded
Striking with the fist to the head of a grounded
opponent
Striking with a knee to the head of an opponent
standing or grounded
Striking with a knee to the head of an opponent
standing or grounded
Striking with an elbow to the head of an opponent
standing or grounded
Striking with an elbow to the head of an
opponent standing or grounded
Heel hooks or submissions that twist the opponent’s
knee
Heel hooks or any submission that twists the
opponent’s knee
Knee bars
A competitor may not elevate an opponents
knees above his or her own shoulders on
take downs or throws
Any takedown or throw that involves the opponent
being elevated and then accelerated into the ground
and/or directed onto their head/neck area.
A competitor may not slam their opponent and
may not spike them onto their head or neck.
No slamming the opponent on triangle or armbar
defence
No slamming the opponent on triangle or
armbar defence(a) A fighter who commits a foul will be disqualified
when 1) the referee determines that the nature of
their foul warrants immediate disqualification; or 2)
they have committed any combination of 2 fouls
ruled by the referee to be intentional and/or due to a
negligent lack of control.
(b) Fouls will result in a point being deducted by
the official scorekeeper from the offending
contestant’s score.
(c) Only a referee can assess a foul. If the referee
does not call the foul, judges shall not make
that assessment on their own and cannot factor
such into their scoring calculations.
(d) A fouled fighter has up to five minutes to
recuperate.
(e) If a foul is committed, the referee shall:
1. call time;
2. check the fouled contestant’s condition and
safety; and
3. assess the foul to the offending contestant, deduct
points, and notify each corner’s seconds, judges
and the official scorekeeper.(f) If a fighter commits a foul while underneath his/her
opponent, the action will be halted and the foul
assessed. If the fouled fighter is able to continue
safely, the fight will then resume with the fighters in
the positions that they held when the foul was
committed, so as to keep from jeopardizing any
advantage that the fouled fighter may have had
1. The referee shall verbally notify the bottom
contestant of the foul. And determine if a warning
or point deducted is needed.
2. The referee may terminate a bout based on the
severity of a foul. For such a flagrant foul, a
contestant loses by disqualification.
Injuries sustained during competition;
(a) If an injury sustained during competition
as a result of a legal maneuver is severe
enough to terminate a bout, the injured
contestant loses by technical knock out.
(b) If an injury sustained during competition
as a result of an intentional foul is severe
enough to terminate a bout, the contestant
causing the injury loses by
disqualification.
(c) If an injury is sustained during
competition as a result of an intentional
foul and the bout is allowed to continue,
the referee shall notify the scorekeeper to
automatically deduct two points from the
contestant who committed the foul.(d) If an injury sustained during competition
as a result of an intention foul causes the
injured contestant to be unable to
continue at a subsequent point in the
contest, the injured contestant shall win
by Disqualification (DQ).
(e) If a contestant injures himself or herself
while attempting to foul his or her
opponent, the referee shall not take any
action in his or her favor, and the injury
shall be treated in the same manner as an
injury produced by a fair blow.
(f) If an injury sustained during
competition as a result of an accidental foul is
severe enough for the referee to stop the bout
immediately, the bout shall result in a no
contest if stopped before two rounds have been
completed in a three round bout or if stopped
before three rounds have been completed in a
five round bout.
(g) If an injury sustained during competition as a
result of an accidental foul is sever enough for
the referee to stop the bout immediately, the
bout shall result in a technical decision
awarded to the contestant who is ahead on the
score cards at the time the bout is stopped only
when the bout is stopped after two rounds of a
three round bout, or three rounds of a five
round bout.(h). There will be no scoring of an
incomplete round. However if the referee
penalizes either contestant, then the appropriate
points shall be deducted when the scorekeeper
calculates the final score.
The Following are types of bout results:
1. Submission by:
(i) Tap out: When a contestants
physically uses his hand or foot
to indicate that he or she no
longer wishes to continue by
clearly tapping on the canvas,
his/her own body or the
opponent’s body three or more
times.
(ii) Verbal tap out: When a
contestant verbally announces
to the referee that he or she no
longer wishes to continue by
clearly and loudly using the
word “TAP”.
2. Technical knockout by:
Referee stops bout, the Attending physician
stops bout; or When an injury as a result of a
legal maneuver is severe enough to terminate
a bout
4. Decision via score cards:
i. Unanimous: When all threejudges score the bout for the
same contestant;
ii. Split Decision: When two
judges score the bout for one
contestant and one judge
scores for the opponent; or
iii. Majority Decision: When
two judges score the bout for the
same contestant and one judge
scores a draw;
5. Draws:
i.Unanimous - When all three judges score the bout a
draw;
ii. Majority - When two judges score the bout a
draw; or
iii. Split - When all three judges score differently and
the score total results in a draw;
6. Disqualification:
Disqualification will occur when a contestant
intentionally fouls his/her opponent with the result
being that a competitor cannot continue due to injury
and/or a contestant has received previous warnings
of illegal techniques and/or behavior. Only the
Referee may assess a foul.
7. Forfeit:
When a contestant fails to begin competition orprematurely ends the contest for reasons other than
injury or by indicating a tap out;
8. Technical Draw:
When an injury sustained during competition as a
result of an intentional foul causes the injured
contestant to be unable to continue and the injured
contestant is even or behind on the score cards at the
time of stoppage;
9.
No Contest: When a contest is prematurely stopped
due to accidental injury and a sufficient number of
rounds have not been completed to render a decision
via the score cards.
10. Technical Decision:
When the bout is prematurely stopped due to injury
and a contestant is leading on the score cards.
MMABC officials:
All judges and referees being used at an event
sanctioned by MMABC and must be certified by an
existing international Association such as IPRO,
COMMAND or MMARCS.
The promoter must have a minimum of 1 doctor and
2 EMT’s in attendance for an event to be sanctioned
by MMABC. The doctor must be at ringside before
any match can proceed.