
Should MMA Implement Open Scoring?
Understanding the 10 Point Must System and Open Scoring in MMA
In MMA, the “10-Point Must System” is in effect for all fights and has long been criticized for being biased and unreliable. In a fight, three judges score each round awarding the winner ten points and the loser nine points or less. If the round is equal, both fighters receive ten points. Judges determine the winner of a fight that runs to its full-time limit based upon the following criteria: clean strikes, effective grappling, Octagon control, and effective aggressiveness. Due to the uncertainty and unpredictability of scoring, fighters never like for the decision to go to the judges.
Judging at UFC 247
Judging at UFC 247 in Texas this past weekend came into question for a lot of the fights including Dominick Reyes vs. Jon Jones, Andre Ewell vs. Jonathan Martinez, Lauren Murphy vs. Andrea Lee and Derrick Lewis vs. Ilir Latifi. On the post-fight show following the event, Ariel Helwani discussed an idea for open scoring with Jon Anik and Anthony Smith.
“MMA, boxing and kickboxing might be the only sports on the planet where you don’t know where you stand” Helwani stated.
Helwani explained that with open scoring, the result would be displayed after each round so everyone can see how the judges scored the round. In this way, the fighter can tell whether he needs to step up his game or if what he is doing is working in the match.
Open Scoring in MMA
Some people may agree that open scoring could help eliminate some of the problems with judging in an MMA match. Others might argue that open scoring would take away from the anticipation of the decision at the end of the match. When watching a fight people love to comment on who they think won the round based on their opinion.
After the match when the two fighters are standing in the middle of the ring awaiting the announcement of the final winner, the mood in the arena is tense in anticipation. Open scoring might take away from this excitement. How do you rate open scoring? Are you unanimously for it or do you vote against it? What’s your final decision?
About Post Author
The Scrap
About Post Author
The Scrap
The Scrap is a combat sports news hub dedicated to bringing you creative MMA, Pro Wrestling, Bare Knuckle, and Boxing content. We choose highlight the indie and regional scenes as passionately as the big leagues. Aside from exclusives on our Patreon account, we also provide video content on our YouTube channel ranging from interviews to highlighting current events.
Related Posts:
Additional Content
UFC Women’s Flyweight Division: Who’s Next for a Title Shot?
The UFC women’s flyweight division is undergoing a major shake-up—and the race for the next title challenger is wide open....
Keep or Scrap: WWE Backlash 2025
WWE Backlash 2025 was the company’s first major premium live event following WrestleMania 41. As expected, the show served to...
Everything You Need to Know About The Ultimate Fighter 33
The Ultimate Fighter 33 (TUF 33) celebrates the 20th anniversary of the iconic UFC-produced reality series. Returning to its classic...
Jack Della Maddalena Winning Complicates Welterweight Division
The UFC welterweight division is in a state of flux following Jack Della Maddalena winning the title at UFC 315....
Don’t Sleep on Mike Malott vs. Charles Radtke
UFC 315 delivers a championship double-header this Saturday, May 10, at the Centre Bell in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. In the...
The Diamond’s Last Dance: Poirier vs. Holloway 3 Headlines UFC 318
The UFC has officially announced that Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier will meet for a third time, headlining UFC 318...
Average Rating