GENERAL RULES

§1. Duration of the Bout

  1. Each professional round shall last (5) minutes.
  2. A one (1) minute rest period shall be provided between rounds.
  3. No bout shall exceed:
    • five (5) rounds,
    • and/or twenty-five (25) minutes of total fighting time.
  4. A bout may consist of:
    • one (1),
    • two (2),
    • three (3),
    • four (4),
    • or five (5) rounds.
  5. No contestant may compete for more than:
    • five (5) rounds,
    • and/or twenty-five (25) minutes
      within a twenty-four (24) hour period.

 

§2. Authority of the Referee

  1. The referee is the sole arbiter of the contest and the only individual authorized to stop the bout.
  2. This does not preclude:
    • video review,
    • instant replay,
    • or any other form of review
      in accordance with the procedures of the applicable regulatory authority, if a protest alleging a clear rule violation is filed.
  3. The authority of the referee begins when the inspector(s) leave the cage/ring and ends only when the inspector(s) re-enter the cage/ring after the conclusion of the contest.

 

§3. Instant Replay

  1. Instant replay may be used solely to review a “Fight Ending Sequence.”
  2. Instant replay may only be utilized after the bout has been officially stopped by the referee.
  3. Once instant replay has been used to review a fight-ending sequence, the bout shall not be resumed.

 

§4. Mouthpiece

  1. All contestants are required to wear a mouthpiece during competition.
  2. A round shall not begin without the mouthpiece in place.
  3. If the mouthpiece becomes dislodged during the contest:
    • the referee shall call time,
    • and order the mouthpiece to be replaced at the first appropriate opportunity,
    • without interfering with the immediate action of the fight.
  4. The referee may deduct points if it is determined that the mouthpiece was intentionally spit out.

 

§5. Fighter Falling Out of the Ring

  1. If an MMA contest is conducted in a ring and a contestant falls or is knocked out of the ring:
    • the contestant must return to the ring without assistance from spectators or corner personnel.
  2. If the contestant is assisted by any individual:
    • the referee may deduct points,
    • or disqualify the contestant
      at the referee’s sole discretion.
  3. A contestant knocked out of the ring shall be given up to five (5) minutes to return to the fighting surface, similarly to an accidental foul situation.
  4. Prior to resuming the bout, the contestant must be examined and cleared by the ringside physician.

 

§6. Petroleum Jelly and Similar Substances

  1. The reapplication of petroleum jelly or similar substances to the face of a contestant may only occur between rounds.
  2. Such application may only be performed by:
    • an approved cutman,
    • or a licensed cornerman.

 

§7. Premature Conclusion of a Bout

  1. In cases where a contest must be stopped due to unforeseen circumstances unrelated to combat, the bout may go to the judges’ scorecards if:

a) Three-round bout

At least two (2) rounds have been completed.

b) Five-round bout

At least three (3) rounds have been completed.

 

HAND WRAPS

§8. Hand Wraps

1. Gauze

  1. A maximum of one (1) roll of soft white cloth gauze per hand shall be permitted:
    • no wider than 2 inches,
    • and no longer than 15 yards.
  2. The gauze may not extend beyond the wrist of the competitor’s glove.
  3. Protection of the exposed thumb is permitted.

 

2. Athletic Tape

  1. A maximum of one (1) roll of white athletic tape per hand shall be permitted:
    • no wider than 1.25 inches,
    • and no longer than 10 feet.
  2. The tape may not extend beyond the wrist of the competitor’s glove.
  3. Tape may be placed between the fingers but may not cover the knuckles.
  4. Protection of the exposed thumb is permitted.

 

3. Elastic Tape

A single layer of elastic or flex-type tape may be applied over the completed hand wrap.

 

4. Approved Materials

Approved tape and gauze of all brands may be used.

 

JOINT AND BODY COVERINGS

§9. Joint and Body Coverings

  1. Other than approved hand wraps, no taping, coverings, or protective equipment of any kind may be worn on the upper body.
  2. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to:
    • joint sleeves,
    • padding,
    • braces,
    • body tape,
    • and similar protective devices.
  3. A contestant may wear a soft neoprene sleeve solely to cover:
    • the knee joint,
    • and/or the ankle joint.
  4. Approved neoprene sleeves may not contain:
    • padding,
    • Velcro,
    • plastic,
    • metal,
    • ties,
    • or any material deemed unsafe or capable of creating an unfair advantage.
  5. Tape, gauze, or any materials other than approved neoprene sleeves are prohibited.

 

CAGE/RING ATTIRE

§10. Fighter Attire

  1. All mixed martial artists shall wear protective equipment deemed necessary by the Commission.
  2. Male contestants shall not wear any clothing on the upper body.
  3. All contestants shall wear:
    • approved trunks,
    • a mouthpiece,
    • and MMA gloves.
  4. Male contestants shall additionally wear approved groin protection.

 

1. Female Competitor Attire

  1. Female contestants shall wear:
    • a short-sleeved form-fitting rash guard (above the elbow),
    • a sleeveless rash guard,
    • and/or a sports bra.
  2. The following are prohibited:
    • loose-fitting tops,
    • breast protectors,
    • and any equipment that may compromise safety or affect the contest.
  3. Female contestants shall comply with the same requirements regarding lower body attire as male contestants, except for the requirement of groin protection.

 

2. Shorts and Equipment

  1. The hem of the shorts may not extend below the knee.
  2. Fight shorts/trunks may not contain:
    • exposed Velcro,
    • pockets,
    • zippers,
    • or any hazardous components.
  3. Contestants participating in the same bout may:
    • wear trunks of different colors,
    • be identified by glove tape,
    • or by glove colors assigned to their corner.

 

3. Footwear and Hair

  1. Shoes are prohibited inside the cage or ring.
  2. When deemed necessary by the referee, contestants’ hair must be secured in a manner that:
    • does not interfere with visibility,
    • does not compromise safety,
    • and does not interfere with the contest.
  3. No object capable of causing injury may be used to secure a contestant’s hair.

 

4. Jewelry and Cosmetics

  1. The wearing of jewelry during all contests is strictly prohibited.
  2. The use of body cosmetics during competition is prohibited.
  3. The use of facial cosmetics shall remain at the discretion of:
    • the Commission,
    • and/or the referee.

STANDING UP OR SEPARATING FIGHTERS

§11. Referee Intervention and Restarting Action

  1. The referee may stand the fighters up or separate them whenever neither fighter:
    • is able to,
    • or demonstrates a real,
    • significant,
    • and/or sustained effort
      to advance toward finishing the fight by any legal method.
  2. Merely maintaining a position perceived as superior shall not be considered:
    • an active attempt to finish the fight,
    • nor grounds for a guaranteed opportunity to continue maintaining that position without offensive progression.

 

FOULS

§12. Fouls

The following actions shall constitute fouls:

1. Head Butting

  1. The head may not be used as a striking instrument in any form.
  2. Any use of the head as an offensive striking tool is illegal, including:
    • head-to-head contact,
    • head-to-body contact,
    • or any similar action.

 

2. Eye Gouging

  1. Eye gouging by means of:
    • fingers,
    • chin,
    • or elbow
      is prohibited.
  2. Legal strikes landing in the eye socket area shall not be considered eye gouging.

 

3. Biting or Spitting

  1. Biting in any form is prohibited.
  2. A fighter must immediately notify the referee if bitten during the contest.
  3. Spitting at an opponent is prohibited.

 

4. Fish Hooking

  1. “Fish hooking” is prohibited.
  2. Fish hooking includes:
    • inserting fingers into the opponent’s mouth, nose, or ears,
    • and stretching or pulling the surrounding skin.

 

5. Hair Pulling

  1. Pulling an opponent’s hair is prohibited.
  2. A fighter may not use an opponent’s hair to:
    • control movement,
    • restrict position,
    • or apply submissions.
  3. A fighter with long hair may not use it as means of holding or choking an opponent.

 

6. Spiking or Pile-Driving

  1. Any throw executed with an arc in its motion shall be considered legal, regardless of whether the opponent’s head contacts the canvas.
  2. A pile-driver is defined as any action in which a fighter:
    • controls the opponent’s body,
    • elevates the opponent’s legs vertically,
    • positions the opponent’s head downward,
    • and forcefully drives the opponent into the canvas on the head or neck.
  3. If a fighter is caught in a submission hold and is capable of lifting the opponent:
    • the opponent may be brought to the canvas in any fashion,
    • as the defending fighter is not considered to be in control of the opponent’s body.
  4. The fighter applying the submission may:
    • adjust position,
    • or release the hold
      prior to impact.

 

7. Strikes to the Spine or Back of the Head

  1. Strikes to the:
    • back of the head,
    • neck,
    • spine,
    • or tailbone
      are prohibited.
  2. The prohibited area of the back of the head begins at the crown of the head with a one (1) inch variance to either side and extends downward to the occipital junction.
  3. The prohibited area continues:
    • across the full width of the neck,
    • and down the spine,
    • including the tailbone,
      with a one (1) inch variance from the centerline of the spine.

 

8. Throat Strikes and Grabbing the Trachea

  1. Directed throat strikes are prohibited.
  2. Directed attacks include:
    • pulling the opponent’s head to expose the neck,
    • and intentionally striking the throat area.
  3. A fighter may not:
    • gouge fingers,
    • or press the thumb
      into the opponent’s neck or trachea in an attempt to force a submission.
  4. A legal standing strike that incidentally lands on the throat shall be considered a legal blow.

 

9. Fingers Extended Toward the Eyes

  1. A fighter in the standing position commits a foul by extending:
    • an open hand,
    • or fingers
      toward the face or eyes of the opponent.
  2. Fighters are instructed to:
    • close their fists,
    • or point their fingers upward
      when reaching toward an opponent.

 

10. Groin Attacks

  1. Any attack to the groin area is prohibited, including:
    • striking,
    • grabbing,
    • pinching,
    • or twisting.
  2. Groin attack rules apply equally to male and female competitors.

 

11. Kneeing or Kicking the Head of a Grounded Opponent

  1. Kneeing or kicking the head of a grounded opponent is prohibited.
  2. A grounded fighter is defined as a fighter with any body part other than the hands or feet touching the canvas.

 

12. Stomping a Grounded Opponent

  1. Stomping a grounded opponent is prohibited.
  2. Stomping includes any striking action using:
    • the sole of the foot,
    • or the heel,
      after lifting and driving the leg downward.
  3. Axe kicks shall not be considered stomping.
  4. Foot stomps against a standing opponent are legal.

 

13. Holding Gloves or Shorts

  1. A fighter may not control an opponent by holding:
    • gloves,
    • shorts,
    • or attire.
  2. Gripping the opponent’s hand is permitted provided the grip is on the hand itself and not solely on the glove material.
  3. Holding one’s own gloves or shorts is permitted.

 

14. Grabbing the Fence or Ring Ropes

  1. Fighters may:
    • place hands on the fence,
    • push off the fence,
    • and place feet against the cage.
  2. A foul occurs when fingers or toes:
    • pass through the fencing material,
    • grasp the fence,
    • and are used to control body position.
  3. Fighters may not:
    • grab ring ropes,
    • wrap arms around ropes,
    • or intentionally step through ropes.
  4. The referee may deduct one (1) point if fence or rope grabbing significantly impacts the contest.
  5. If the foul results in a superior position:
    • the referee may restart the fighters standing in a neutral position.

 

15. Small Joint Manipulation

  1. Fingers and toes are considered small joints.
  2. Wrists, ankles, knees, shoulders, and elbows are considered large joints.
  3. Grabbing the majority of fingers or toes simultaneously is permitted.

 

16. Throwing an Opponent Out of the Cage or Ring

  1. A fighter may not intentionally throw an opponent out of the cage or ring.

 

17. Inserting Fingers into Openings or Cuts

  1. A fighter may not place fingers into:
    • cuts,
    • lacerations,
    • nose,
    • ears,
    • mouth,
    • or any body cavity
      of the opponent.
  2. Enlarging an opponent’s cut or wound intentionally is prohibited.

 

18. Clawing, Pinching, or Twisting the Flesh

  1. Any attack involving:
    • clawing,
    • pinching,
    • pulling,
    • or twisting the opponent’s flesh
      for the purpose of causing pain is prohibited.

 

19. Timidity

  1. Timidity includes:
    • intentionally avoiding contact,
    • fleeing from engagement,
    • stalling the contest,
    • repeatedly dropping the mouthpiece,
    • or faking injury.
  2. The referee may determine that any deliberate attempt to delay the action constitutes timidity.

 

20. Abusive Language

  1. Abusive or offensive language during competition is prohibited.
  2. Determination of abusive language rests solely with the referee.
  3. Verbal communication between fighters alone does not constitute a foul.

 

21. Disregard of the Referee’s Instructions

  1. Fighters must obey the referee’s instructions at all times.
  2. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.

 

22. Unsportsmanlike Conduct

  1. Fighters are expected to display sportsmanship and professionalism at all times.
  2. Unsportsmanlike conduct includes:
    • attacking an incapacitated opponent,
    • attacking after a tap,
    • or intentionally causing unnecessary injury.

 

23. Attacking After the Bell

  1. Offensive actions after the end of a round are prohibited.
  2. The end of a round is signaled by:
    • the bell,
    • and the referee’s command of time.

 

24. Attacking During a Break

  1. Attacking an opponent during:
    • a timeout,
    • break in action,
    • or referee stoppage
      is prohibited.

 

25. Attacking an Opponent Under Referee Protection

  1. Once the referee stops the action to protect a fighter, all offensive actions must cease immediately.

 

26. Corner or Second Interference

  1. Interference from a fighter’s corner or seconds is prohibited.
  2. Interference includes any action intended to:
    • disrupt the contest,
    • distract the referee,
    • or provide an unfair advantage.

FOUL PROCEDURES

§13. Intentional Fouls

  1. If an intentional foul causes an injury severe enough to immediately terminate the bout, the fighter committing the foul shall lose by disqualification.
  2. If an intentional foul causes an injury but the bout is allowed to continue:
    • the referee shall notify the appropriate officials,
    • and shall deduct two (2) points from the offending fighter.
  3. Point deductions for intentional fouls are mandatory.
  4. If an intentional foul causes:
    • a laceration,
    • and/or swelling,

and the bout continues, but is later stopped after one-half (½) of the scheduled rounds have been completed due to either:

  • a legal strike,
  • or an illegal strike
    affecting the injured area:
  1. a) the injured fighter shall win by Technical Decision if ahead on the scorecards;
  2. b) the bout shall result in a Technical Draw if the injured fighter is tied or behind on the scorecards at the time of stoppage.
  1. If a fighter injures himself or herself while attempting to intentionally foul an opponent:
    • the referee shall not act in favor of the injured fighter,
    • and the injury shall be treated the same as one resulting from a legal strike.
  2. If the referee determines that a fighter has acted in an unsportsmanlike manner, the referee may:
    • stop the action and deduct points,
    • or stop the bout and disqualify the fighter.

 

§14. Accidental Fouls

  1. If an accidental foul causes an injury severe enough for the referee to stop the bout before one-half (½) of the scheduled rounds have been completed, the bout shall result in:
    • a No Contest,
    • or a Disqualification if applicable.
  2. If an accidental foul causes an injury severe enough for the referee to stop the bout after one-half (½) of the scheduled rounds have been completed, the bout shall result in a Technical Decision awarded to the fighter leading on the scorecards at the time of stoppage.
  3. Partial or incomplete rounds shall be scored.
  4. If no action has occurred during a partial round, the round may be scored as even at the discretion of the judges.
  5. If a fighter visibly loses control of bodily functions during a round, including:
    • vomiting,
    • urination,
    • or defecation,

the referee shall stop the bout and the fighter shall lose by Technical Knockout (TKO) due to Medical Stoppage.

  1. If loss of bodily function occurs during the rest period between rounds:
    • the ringside physician shall evaluate the fighter,
    • and if the fighter is not medically cleared to continue,
      the fighter shall lose by TKO due to Medical Stoppage.
  2. If fecal matter becomes apparent at any time during the contest:
    • the bout shall be stopped immediately,
    • and the offending fighter shall lose by TKO due to Medical Stoppage.

 

§15. Foul Procedures

  1. If a foul is committed, the referee shall:
    • call time,
    • assess the condition and safety of the fouled fighter,
    • and determine whether:
      • point deductions,
      • and/or recovery time
        are appropriate.
  1. During all timeout procedures:
    • coaching of any fighter is prohibited.

 

§16. Eye Poke Procedure

  1. Once the referee calls time for an eye poke foul, the injured fighter may use:
    • a cold compress,
    • or a wet towel
      on the injured eye.
  2. Unless immediate medical attention is required:
    • the referee and ringside physician shall allow the fighter time to recover,
    • so the fighter may verbally confirm whether they are able to see.
  3. This procedure does not prevent the ringside physician from evaluating the injury at any point during the timeout.

 

§17. Recovery Time

  1. If a groin foul or eye poke occurs and the fighter is able to continue:
    • the fouled contestant may receive up to five (5) minutes to recover.
  2. Fighters injured by a foul severely enough to require medical evaluation may receive:
    • up to five (5) minutes,
    • at the referee’s discretion,
      for examination by the ringside physician before a determination regarding continuation of the bout is made.
  3. Under no circumstances may the referee call a timeout to evaluate the effects of a legal strike, except where a laceration is present.

 

§18. Use of a Cutperson Following a Foul

  1. If a fighter suffers a laceration as the result of:
    • an accidental foul,
    • or an intentional foul,

the referee may, after calling time and directing the fighters to neutral corners, allow the assigned cutperson to enter the cage/ring during the five (5) minute recovery period.

  1. The cutperson may provide treatment solely for:
    • the cut,
    • or cuts
      directly associated with the foul.
  2. The cutperson’s duties shall be limited to:
    • controlling bleeding,
    • and treating the injury caused by the foul.
  3. The fighter may return to action only after being medically cleared by the ringside physician.
  4. Under no circumstances shall the total interruption exceed five (5) minutes.

JUDGING CRITERIA AND TYPES OF DECISIONS

§19. Judging Criteria

  1. All bouts shall be evaluated and scored by a minimum of three (3) judges.
  2. The official scoring system shall be the “10-Point Must System.”
  3. Under the 10-Point Must System:
    • the winner of a round shall receive ten (10) points,
    • the losing contestant shall receive nine (9) points or fewer,
    • except in the rare case of an even round scored 10-10.
  4. Judges shall evaluate the contest according to the following hierarchy of criteria:
    • effective striking and grappling (Plan A),
    • effective aggressiveness (Plan B),
    • control of the fighting area (Plan C).
  5. Plans B and C shall only be considered if Plan A is judged to be even between the contestants.
  6. The greatest weight in scoring shall be given to:
    • effective striking,
    • and effective grappling,

followed by:

  • effective aggressiveness,
  • and control of the fighting area.
  1. Effective striking shall be judged by the impact and effect of legal strikes landed by a contestant.
  2. Effective grappling shall be evaluated by:
    • successful takedowns,
    • submission attempts,
    • achieving advantageous positions,
    • reversals,
    • and the overall impact of those actions.
  3. Effective aggressiveness refers to aggressive attempts to finish the fight.
  4. Fighting area control shall be determined by assessing which contestant dictates:
  • the pace,
  • the location,
  • and the position
    of the bout.

 

§20. Round Scoring

1. Scoring Criteria

  1. Judges shall apply the following objective scoring criteria when evaluating rounds:

a) 10-10 Round

A round shall be scored 10-10 when:

  • both contestants compete evenly throughout the round,
  • and neither contestant gains a discernible advantage.

b) 10-9 Round

A round shall be scored 10-9 when:

  • one contestant wins by a close margin,
  • landing more effective strikes,
  • or utilizing more effective grappling.

c) 10-8 Round

A round shall be scored 10-8 when a contestant wins by a large margin through:

  • impact,
  • dominance,
  • and duration
    of effective striking or grappling.

d) 10-7 Round

A round shall be scored 10-7 when a contestant completely dominates the opponent by:

  • impact,
  • dominance,
  • and duration
    of effective offense.

 

2. Impact

  1. Judges shall assess whether a contestant significantly impacts the opponent during a round, even if the contestant does not dominate the entirety of the action.
  2. Impact includes visible evidence such as:
    • swelling,
    • lacerations,
    • loss of balance,
    • or diminished ability to defend effectively.
  3. Impact shall also be evaluated when a contestant’s actions:
    • reduce the opponent’s energy,
    • confidence,
    • fighting ability,
    • or competitive spirit.
  4. Significant moments resulting from effective striking or grappling shall be given substantial weight in scoring.

 

3. Dominance

  1. Dominance in striking may be established when a contestant:
    • forces the opponent into continual defensive actions,
    • prevents meaningful counters,
    • and controls the offensive exchanges.
  2. Dominance in grappling may be established when a contestant:
    • secures dominant positions,
    • and actively uses those positions to:
      • attempt submissions,
      • land strikes,
      • or pursue a finish.
  1. Merely holding a dominant position shall not alone determine dominance.
  2. Judges must evaluate the offensive effectiveness and activity from those positions.
  3. In the absence of complete grappling dominance, dominance may still be demonstrated through:
    • repeated submission attempts,
    • sustained offensive striking,
    • overwhelming pace,
    • aggressive positional advancement,
    • or continuous forcing of the opponent into a defensive or reactive state.

 

4. Duration

  1. Duration refers to the amount of time one contestant effectively:
    • attacks,
    • controls,
    • and impacts
      the opponent,

while the opponent offers little or no effective offense.

  1. Judges shall assess duration by recognizing periods in which one contestant maintains sustained effective offense.
  2. Duration may be evaluated:
    • standing,
    • or on the ground.

 

5. Scoring Incomplete Rounds

  1. Incomplete or partial rounds shall be scored.
  2. If the referee penalizes a contestant:
    • the appropriate point deductions shall be applied when calculating the final score for the round.

 

TYPES OF DECISIONS

§21. Submission

  1. A bout may be won by submission through:

a) Tap Out

When a contestant physically indicates by body movement or tapping that they no longer wish to continue.

b) Verbal Tap Out

When a contestant verbally indicates surrender or voluntarily/involuntarily screams in pain or distress to the referee.

c) Technical Submission

When a legal submission results in:

  • unconsciousness,
  • a broken bone,
  • or a dislocated joint.

 

§22. Technical Knockout (TKO)

1. Referee Stoppage

  1. The referee may stop the bout when a contestant is not intelligently defending themselves due to:
    • strikes,
    • lacerations,
    • corner stoppage,
    • or failure to answer the bell.

 

2. Medical Stoppage

  1. A bout may end by TKO due to medical stoppage in cases involving:
    • lacerations,
    • doctor stoppage,
    • or loss of control of bodily functions.

 

§23. Knockout (KO)

  1. A knockout shall occur when the referee stops the contest because a contestant cannot intelligently defend themselves due to strikes.

 

§24. Disqualification

  1. A contestant shall lose by disqualification when:
    • an intentional foul causes an injury severe enough to stop the contest,
    • multiple fouls have been committed,
    • or there is flagrant disregard for:
      • the rules,
      • or the referee’s instructions.

 

§25. No Contest

  1. A bout shall be declared a No Contest when:
    • a contestant is unable to continue due to an accidental injury,
    • and insufficient time has elapsed to allow a decision based on the scorecards.

 

§26. Decisions

1. Unanimous Decision

All three judges score the contest for the same contestant.

2. Split Decision

Two judges score the contest for one contestant, while the third judge scores for the opponent.

3. Majority Decision

Two judges score the contest for one contestant, while the third judge scores the bout a draw.

4. Technical Decision

A bout is stopped prematurely due to an accidental foul, and one contestant is leading on the scorecards at the time of stoppage.

 

§27. Draws

1. Unanimous Draw

All three judges score the contest as a draw.

2. Majority Draw

Two judges score the contest as a draw.

3. Split Draw

All three judges score the contest differently, resulting in an overall draw.

4. Technical Draw

  1. A Technical Draw shall occur when:
    • a contestant suffers an injury caused by an intentional foul,
    • the bout is allowed to continue,
    • and the injury later requires stoppage following either:
      • a legal strike,
      • or an illegal strike
        to the affected area,
        after one-half (½) of the scheduled rounds have been completed.
  1. A Technical Draw shall be declared if the injured contestant is:
    • tied,
    • or behind on the scorecards
      at the time of stoppage.

WEIGHT CLASSES

 

§27. weight classes

Weight class

Weight limit

Strawweight

up to 52.2 kg

Flyweight

up to 56.7 kg

Bantamweight

up to  61.2 kg

Featherweight

up to  65.8 kg

Lightweight

up to 70.3 kg

Welterweight

up to 77.1 kg

Middleweight

up to  83.9 kg

Light Heavyweight

up to  93.0 kg

Heavyweight

up to 120.2 kg

Super Heavyweight

over 120.2 kg

 

§29. Weight Allowances and Catchweight Bouts

1. Allowances Within a Division

  1. No allowance restrictions shall apply when both contestants weigh in within the same contracted weight division.

 

2. Missed Weight and Catchweight

  1. If a contestant fails to make the contracted weight and the contestants are in different weight classes:
    • the heavier contestant may not exceed the lighter contestant by more than five (5) pounds.

 

3. Contracted Catchweight Bouts

  1. No weight spread limitation shall apply in contracted catchweight bouts, provided both contestants weigh below the contracted limit.
  2. The Commission reserves the right to deny approval of a catchweight bout if the weight disparity is deemed significant enough to endanger the safety of either contestant.

 

WEIGH-IN PROCEDURES

§30. Official Morning Weigh-In

  1. The official morning weigh-in shall take place between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
  2. Each contestant shall be allowed a maximum of three (3) attempts to make the contracted weight.
  3. If a contestant fails to make weight by 11:00 AM:
    • the contestant shall be granted one (1) additional hour to make weight.

 

§31. Financial Penalties for Missing Weight

1. Excess up to 1.0 kg

  • 10% of the total fight purse for failing to make weight during the official weigh-in period;
  • an additional 20% of the total purse for failing to make weight after the additional hour.

2. Excess from 1 to 2 kg

  • 10% of the total fight purse for failing to make weight during the official weigh-in period;
  • an additional 30% of the total purse for failing to make weight after the additional hour.

3. Excess from 2 to 4 kg

  • 10% of the total fight purse for failing to make weight during the official weigh-in period;
  • an additional 40% of the total purse for failing to make weight after the additional hour.

4. Excess over 4 kg

  • 10% of the total fight purse for failing to make weight during the official weigh-in period;
  • an additional 50% of the total purse for failing to make weight after the additional hour.

 

§32. Title Fight Weight Regulations

  1. In title bouts, both contestants must successfully make the contracted championship weight.
  2. If the champion fails to make weight:
    • the championship title shall be vacated regardless of the fight result,
    • and the contest shall remain scheduled for five (5) rounds of five (5) minutes each.
  3. If the challenger fails to make weight:
    • the bout shall lose championship status,
    • the title shall remain with the champion regardless of the fight result,
    • and the contest shall be scheduled for three (3) rounds of five (5) minutes each.
  4. If both contestants fail to make weight:
    • the bout shall lose championship status,
    • the champion shall vacate the title regardless of the fight result,
    • and the contest shall be scheduled for three (3) rounds of five (5) minutes each.
  5. If a contestant exceeds the contracted weight by more than four (4) kilograms:
    • the opponent shall have the right to refuse participation in the bout.

 

§33. Point Deduction for Missing Weight

  1. If a contestant fails to make weight by 12:00 PM:
    • one (1) point shall be deducted,
    • the deduction shall be announced by the cage referee prior to the beginning of Round 1,
    • and the deduction shall be officially recorded on the judges’ scorecards as a point deduction in the first round.
  2. Financial penalties shall additionally apply in accordance with:
    • the contestant’s contract,
    • and these regulations.

 

§34. Weigh-In Supervision and Ceremonial Weigh-In

  1. The official morning weigh-in shall take place:
    • in the presence of the KSW Head Referee,
    • or another referee appointed by the Head Referee,
    • and shall be video recorded.
  2. A representative or cornerman of the opposing contestant may observe the weigh-in procedure.
  3. During the ceremonial evening weigh-in:
    • contestants are not required to make the contracted weight limit,
    • but must:
      • strip down to shorts or underwear,
      • step onto the scale,
      • and participate in the official face-off.
  1. Following the weigh-in, all contestants shall fulfill their mandatory media obligations.

 

APPEALS

§35. Appeals Procedure

  1. A contestant’s manager may file a written protest regarding the result of a bout within forty-eight (48) hours of the conclusion of the contest.
  2. Protest submission requires payment of a €1000 deposit to the KSW Federation account.
  3. The Appeals Commission shall consist of three (3) members and shall review the protest within forty-eight (48) hours of receipt.
  4. The Appeals Commission shall be appointed by the Head Referee.
  5. If the protest is rejected:
    • the deposit shall not be refunded.
  6. If the protest is upheld:
    • the full deposit shall be refunded by the KSW Federation