Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has grown into a global phenomenon, captivating millions with its blend of striking, grappling, and strategy. The sport’s unpredictable nature keeps fans on the edge of their seats, and understanding the methods of victory is crucial to fully appreciating the skill and tactics involved. In MMA, fights can end in several ways, each reflecting a unique aspect of the sport. This article will dissect the most common methods of victory, providing a clear and detailed look at how MMA fighters secure their wins.
1. Knockout (KO)
A knockout (KO) is one of the most dramatic and definitive ways to win an MMA fight. A KO occurs when a fighter is rendered unconscious due to a legal strike, unable to continue the bout. The referee immediately stops the fight, declaring the conscious fighter the winner.
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Statistically, knockouts account for approximately 30% of all MMA fight outcomes. Fighters with exceptional striking power and precision, such as Anderson Silva and Conor McGregor, are well-known for their ability to end fights with a single punch or kick. For instance, McGregor’s 13-second KO victory over José Aldo at UFC 194 remains one of the quickest and most iconic in MMA history.
A KO not only requires power but also timing and accuracy. The ability to anticipate an opponent’s movements and deliver a perfectly timed strike can lead to an instant victory, making knockouts a favourite among fans and fighters alike.
2. Technical Knockout (TKO)
While a knockout is conclusive, a Technical Knockout (TKO) occurs when the referee decides that a fighter can no longer defend themselves intelligently, despite being conscious. TKOs typically happen when a fighter is overwhelmed by strikes, unable to escape or counter effectively.
TKOs are more common than KOs, comprising approximately 35% of fight outcomes. Several scenarios can lead to a TKO, including continuous strikes to the head or body, a fighter being trapped in a position where they cannot defend themselves, or a doctor’s stoppage due to injury. For example, Georges St-Pierre’s TKO victory over BJ Penn at UFC 94 resulted from Penn’s corner stopping the fight after four rounds of sustained punishment.
The TKO is a testament to a fighter’s dominance and the referee’s responsibility to protect the athletes. It reflects a situation where one fighter clearly overwhelms the other, forcing an intervention to prevent serious injury.
3. Submission
Submission victories highlight the grappling aspect of MMA, where a fighter forces their opponent to tap out or verbally submit due to a joint lock or choke hold. Submissions account for around 20% of MMA fight outcomes, showcasing the importance of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and other grappling arts in the sport.
Common submission techniques include the armbar, rear-naked choke, and guillotine choke. For instance, Ronda Rousey became synonymous with the armbar, securing numerous victories with this technique, including her 14-second win over Cat Zingano at UFC 184.
A submission victory requires not only technical skill but also the ability to outmaneuver and outthink an opponent. It’s a method of victory that embodies the chess-like nature of MMA, where positioning, leverage, and timing are crucial.
4. Judges’ Decision
When a fight goes the distance—usually three rounds, or five in a championship bout—the outcome is determined by the judges’ decision. Judges score each round based on criteria such as striking, grappling, aggression, and octagon control, awarding 10 points to the winner of the round and 9 or fewer to the loser. For those looking to place a bet on fights that might go the distance, understanding these scoring criteria is essential. With platforms like Unibet offering specialized markets and promotions, including the Unibet sign up offer on GG, fans can maximize their betting experience while enjoying the strategic depth that a judges’ decision brings to MMA.
Decisions result in about 40% of MMA fights. There are three types of decisions: unanimous, split, and majority. In a unanimous decision, all three judges agree on the winner. A split decision occurs when two judges score in favour of one fighter, while the third judge favours the other. A majority decision happens when two judges score in favour of one fighter, and the third judge scores it a draw.
One of the most famous unanimous decision victories is Georges St-Pierre’s win over Nick Diaz at UFC 158, where St-Pierre dominated all five rounds. Judges’ decisions highlight the endurance and strategy involved in MMA, as fighters must maintain their performance over the entire duration of the bout.
5. Disqualification
Disqualifications (DQ) are rare in MMA, accounting for less than 1% of fight outcomes. A fighter is disqualified when they commit a serious foul or a series of fouls that result in the inability of their opponent to continue the fight. Common infractions include illegal strikes, such as eye pokes, groin shots, or strikes to the back of the head.
An example of disqualification occurred at UFC 229 when Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor’s post-fight brawl resulted in disqualifications for both fighters from potential post-fight bonuses and suspensions (the results of the fight itself were not overturned, and it stands as a submission win for Nurmagomedov). Disqualification can have a lasting impact on a fighter’s career, often leading to suspensions, fines, and loss of reputation.
6. No Contest
A No Contest (NC) is declared when an event occurs that prevents the fight from continuing, and neither fighter is declared the winner. No Contests make up approximately 1% of MMA fight outcomes. Common reasons for a No Contest include accidental fouls, such as a clash of heads resulting in a fight-ending injury, or a fighter failing a post-fight drug test.
For instance, at UFC 48, Kimo Leopoldo and Ken Shamrock’s fight was declared a No Contest due to an injury Shamrock sustained from an accidental clash of heads. No Contests are often disappointing for both fighters and fans, as they leave the outcome unresolved and can result in a rematch.
7. Corner Stoppage
A Corner Stoppage occurs when a fighter’s corner decides to stop the fight, typically by throwing in the towel, due to their fighter being unable to continue effectively or taking too much damage. This type of stoppage is rare, accounting for less than 5% of fight outcomes, but it underscores the responsibility of the corner team to protect their fighter from unnecessary harm.
One notable example is the corner stoppage is in boxing matching between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury in their second bout. Wilder’s corner threw in the towel in the seventh round after Fury landed numerous unanswered blows, ensuring Wilder’s safety. Corner stoppages demonstrate the importance of a team’s judgement in safeguarding their fighter’s long-term health.
Final Thoughts
From the explosive power of a knockout to the strategic depth of a judges’ decision, each method reflects a different aspect of what makes MMA unique. Whether through striking, grappling, or tactical acumen, the path to victory in MMA is as varied as the fighters who step into the octagon.