MMA
How MMA rounds are scored: the 10-point must system and judging criteria
A practical guide to the current ABC MMA judging criteria: how judges score each round, what matters most, when aggression or cage control matter, and how 10-9, 10-8 and 10-7 rounds differ.
The 10-point must system
Each round is scored separately. The winner of the round receives 10 points and the other fighter receives 9 or fewer, except for a rare 10-10 round when neither fighter establishes an advantage. Referee penalties are deducted from the judges’ scorecards.
Effective fighting techniques come first
Judges first compare the results of successful striking and successful grappling. Striking and grappling are equal in principle: what matters is their effect. The current clarification emphasizes damage, dominance and duration, with immediate damage carrying especially high value.
When aggression and fighting area control matter
Effective aggressiveness and fighting area control are secondary criteria. They are used only when a judge cannot find even a marginal advantage in successful striking or grappling. Simply moving forward or holding position without effective offense does not automatically win a round.
What 10-9, 10-8 and 10-7 mean
A 10-9 round has a discernible winner by greater offensive effectiveness. A 10-8 requires a much larger advantage and significant damage, often with dominance or duration; a 10-7 requires overwhelming damage and domination through the round. Defense itself is not scored as offense.