Ultimate Fighting Championship: Understanding UFC Rounds And Scoring

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Hey there, fight fans! The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is the biggest mixed martial arts (MMA) organization on the planet. Since its creation back in 1993, the UFC has become a global phenomenon. But let's dive into the specifics of how fights are structured. Depending on whether it's a regular bout, main event, or championship fight, the rounds in UFC matches follow distinct formats. So, buckle up, because we're about to break it all down for you.

UFC traces its roots back to the ancient Greek Olympic Games event called Pankration, introduced in 648 BC. This photo, captured by @Mike Harrington and @Jeff Bottari, gives you a glimpse into the modern-day spectacle. Source: Getty Images

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Key takeaways

  • The UFC was founded in Denver, Colorado, USA, on November 12, 1993. That's where the journey began!
  • Back in the early days of UFC 1, fights had no time limits. They only ended when someone submitted, got knocked out, or their corner threw in the towel.
  • Main event fights at the UFC are longer than regular and non-championship rounds. It's where the big showdowns happen!
  • Main event fights typically go for 5 rounds, while regular fights are usually 3 rounds. It's all about the stakes!

How many rounds are in UFC fights?

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty. In the UFC, fights usually last between 3 to 5 rounds. But here's the thing—it depends on the type of bout. Is it a main event? A championship fight? Or just a regular bout? Each has its own rules. Let's break it down for you.

Sergei Pavlovich (L) from Russia and Jairzinho Rozenstruik (R) from Suriname go head-to-head in a heavyweight clash during the UFC Fight Night event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo by Chris Unger. Source: Getty Images

Is UFC 3 rounds or 5?

Here's the scoop: UFC fights can be either 3 rounds or 5 rounds, and it all depends on the type of bout. Here's how it breaks down:

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    • 3-Round Fights: These are your standard fights, typically seen in non-championship and non-main event matches. Think of them as the undercard fights that set the stage for the main event.
    • 5-Round Fights: Now, these are the big boys. Main events and championship rounds are always scheduled for five rounds. But hey, under special circumstances—like special events, high-profile matches, or unique promotional strategies—non-championship bouts can also be stretched to 5 rounds.

    What is the UFC round length?

    According to the Unified Rules of Martial Arts, which were introduced in 2001, each UFC round lasts 5 minutes. But here's a little secret: fighters get a 1-minute break between rounds. That quick breather can make all the difference in a high-stakes fight!

    How long is a 3-round UFC fight?

    A 3-round UFC fight clocks in at a total of 17 minutes. That's 15 minutes of action-packed combat across three 5-minute rounds, plus 2 minutes of breaks between rounds. Of course, this is assuming the fight goes the distance. Sometimes, these fights end early with a knockout or submission.

    Bogdan Grad (L) from Romania and Lucas Alexander (R) from Brazil lock horns in a featherweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo by Chris Unger. Source: Getty Images

    How long is a 5 round UFC fight?

    Now, let's talk about the big fights. A 5-round UFC bout lasts a whopping 29 minutes if it goes the distance. That's 25 minutes of non-stop action across five 5-minute rounds, plus 4 minutes of breaks. These are the fights that test the fighters' endurance and mental toughness.

    Does the UFC have 10/8 rounds?

    Judges in the UFC use the 10-8 round scoring system, which is part of the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts. This scoring method is used to reward fighters who dominate a round by a significant margin. It takes into account factors like impact, dominance, and the duration of striking or grappling. If a fighter causes visible damage to their opponent, they might be awarded a 10-8 round. It's all about who had the upper hand in that round.

    Is it possible to draw the UFC fight?

    Draws in the UFC are rare, but they do happen. There are several types of draws recognized in the UFC:

    1. Unanimous Draw: All three judges score the fight as a draw. This means no one fighter had a clear advantage over the other.
    2. Majority Draw: Two judges score the fight as a draw, while one judge scores it for one fighter. It's like a split decision, but with a twist.
    3. Split Draw: One judge scores it as a draw, while the other two judges score the fight for different fighters. Talk about a close call!
    4. Technical Draw: This happens when a fight is stopped due to an injury caused by an intentional foul, and the bout cannot continue. It's a bummer, but sometimes it happens.
    Opponents Terrance McKinney (L) and Damir Hadzovic (R) of Bosnia and Herzegovina face off during the UFC Fight Night ceremonial weigh-in in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo by Chris Unger. Source: Getty Images

    Are there overtime rounds after a draw in the UFC?

    Currently, the UFC doesn't have overtime rounds in the event of a draw. If a fight ends in a draw, that's how it's documented—no extra rounds. But here's an interesting tidbit: UFC President and CEO Dana White has hinted at the possibility of introducing overtime rules, especially for championship bouts. He once said:

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  • I hate draws. They're just such a waste of everybody's time and energy. It's something I would definitely explore.

    Trivia

    • Las Vegas, Nevada, has hosted more UFC events than any other city. It's no surprise, considering it's the sport's headquarters.
    • Royce Gracie was the first UFC champion, winning at UFC 1. Talk about making history!
    • Anderson Silva holds one of the longest title reigns in UFC history, clocking in at an impressive 2,457 days as the middleweight champion.
    • The UFC uses the 10-point must system for scoring fights, where judges award points based on each fighter's performance in a round.
    • The epic battle between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 set records with over 2 million pay-per-view buys. That's insane!

    Understanding the number of rounds in UFC fights is crucial for both new fans and seasoned viewers. Regular fights usually consist of 3 rounds, while championship and main event fights extend to 5 rounds. Each round lasts 5 minutes, with a 1-minute break in between. It's all part of the excitement that makes the UFC so thrilling!

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    Site published an article about ring girls in the UFC. Ring girls were first introduced in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, in the 1960s. Since then, they've become an integral part of keeping the crowd engaged and informed during fights. But just how much do they earn? Let's find out!

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