Understanding UFC Scoring: A Guide to Official Judge Scorecards

Official UFC judging scorecards provide a transparent look at how combat sports bouts are decided by the ringside panel. According to the [Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts](https://www.abcboxing.com/unified-rules-of-mma/), judges score rounds based on effective striking and grappling, with the winner of each round typically receiving a 10-point score, while the loser receives 9 points or fewer. These scorecards are released by state athletic commissions, such as the [Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC)](https://boxing.nv.gov/), following the conclusion of each event.

How UFC Judges Evaluate Rounds

Judges utilize a 10-point must system to evaluate each round of a fight. The primary criteria for scoring, as defined by the Association of Boxing Commissions, prioritizes effective striking and grappling. Judges look for evidence of high-impact maneuvers, such as takedowns, submission attempts, and significant strikes that cause visible damage or dictate the pace of the contest.

If a round is deemed equal in striking and grappling, judges look to effective aggressiveness as a secondary criterion. If that remains equal, they evaluate cage control. In practice, most rounds are scored 10-9. A 10-8 round is awarded when one fighter demonstrates clear dominance through significant damage or overwhelming offensive output, while a 10-7 round is reserved for extreme, one-sided beatings.

Accessing Official UFC Scorecards

Fans and media can access verified scorecards through the official websites of the athletic commissions overseeing the bouts. For events held in Las Vegas, the Nevada State Athletic Commission publishes results shortly after the event concludes. These documents detail the individual scores for each round, the name of the judge, and the final decision rendered.

Transparency in scoring has become a focal point for the sport, with the [UFC](https://www.ufc.com/) often providing links to these documents on their results pages. By reviewing these cards, observers can see how each judge interpreted the action, including instances where split decisions occur due to differing interpretations of round dominance.

Frequently Asked Questions About MMA Scoring

What is a “10-9” round?

The 10-9 round is the most common score in professional MMA. It indicates that one fighter won the round by a narrow margin, based on the effective use of striking or grappling.

What causes a “Split Decision”?

A split decision occurs when the three ringside judges do not reach a unanimous agreement. Two judges may score the fight in favor of one fighter, while the third judge awards the victory to the opponent.

Can a judge change their score after the round ends?

No. Once a round is completed and the scorecard is submitted to the commission inspector, the score is official and cannot be altered.

Where can I find historical UFC scorecards?

The most reliable archives for past fight results and scorecards are the official [UFC Results page](https://www.ufc.com/results) and the records maintained by the [Association of Boxing Commissions and Combat Sports](https://abcboxing.com/).