What are the main rules and regulations that govern MMA fights?

MMA fights are governed by a set of rules and regulations that vary slightly among different organizations but generally adhere to a similar framework. The following are some of the main rules and regulations that govern MMA fights:

Weight classes: As mentioned earlier, MMA fights are divided into weight classes to ensure fair competition between fighters of similar size and weight.

Rounds and duration: Fights are typically divided into rounds, with each round lasting a specific duration. The number of rounds and their duration can vary depending on the organization and the level of the fight. Commonly, professional fights consist of three or five rounds, each lasting five minutes, with one-minute breaks in between.

Banned techniques: There are certain techniques that are typically prohibited in MMA fights due to their potential for causing serious injury. These may include strikes to the groin, eye-gouging, biting, hair-pulling, and strikes to the back of the head.

Fouls: There are specific fouls that can result in penalties or disqualification. These can include strikes to the head of a grounded opponent, strikes to the spine, throat strikes, small joint manipulation, and holding the fence.

Judging criteria: MMA fights are scored by judges based on a set of criteria to determine the winner in the event that the fight does not end in a knockout or submission. The criteria typically include effective striking, grappling, aggression, and octagon control.

Referee intervention: The referee plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and fairness of the fight. They have the authority to stop the fight if a fighter is unable to intelligently defend themselves, if they observe a significant injury, or if a fighter violates the rules.

Medical suspensions: Following a fight, fighters may be subject to medical suspensions if they have sustained significant injuries. These suspensions are enforced to ensure that fighters have adequate time to recover before competing again.

It's important to note that the specific rules and regulations may vary among different MMA organizations, such as the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), Bellator MMA, or ONE Championship. However, the general aim of these rules and regulations is to promote fair competition, protect the safety of the fighters, and provide an entertaining and engaging experience for the spectators.