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Mixed Martial Arts

How many rounds are there in MMA? Fight length, rules and distance for championship and non-title bouts

How many rounds are there in MMA? Fight length, rules and distance for championship and non-title boutsGetty Images
Mixed Martial Arts is taking the world by storm, but what are the rules for fights inside the cage?

Mixed martial arts has quickly become one of the world's biggest sports and has produced some memorable encounters.

The likes of Bellator and the UFC have become worldwide brands with some of its fighters becoming  huge stars in their own right.

But how long should fights last for inside the cage/ring, DAZN finds out.

MMA fight length

  • Non-championship fight: 3 x 5 minute rounds
  • Championship fight: 5 x 5 minute rounds

Non-championship fights are scheduled for three, five-minute rounds, while title fights are set for five, five-minute rounds.

These round structures are a part of the MMA Unified Rules which are the set of rules widely adopted by most governing bodies and promotions.

However, there are exceptions for tournaments where a fighter is expected to fight more than once in a night.

Attire

MMA also has a set of rules when it comes to fighters' attire.

All competitors must fight in approved shorts without shoes or any sort of foot padding.

Shirts, gis and long pants are not allowed, and fighters must use approved light gloves (4-6 ounces) which allow fingers to grab.

A mouthguard and protective cup are also required before being checked by a State Athletic Committee official before a fighter enters the cage/ring.