1. Butting with the head;
a. The head may not be used as a striking instrument in any fashion. Any use of the head as a striking instrument whether head to head, head to body or otherwise is illegal.
2. Eye gouging of any kind;
a. Eye gouging by means of fingers, chin, or elbow is illegal. Legal strikes or punches that contact the fighter’s eye socket are not eye gouging and shall be considered legal attacks.
3. Biting or spitting at an opponent;
a. Biting in any form is illegal. A fighter must recognize that a referee may not be able to physically observe some actions and must make the referee aware if they are being bit during an exhibition of unarmed combat.
4. Fish Hooking;
a. Any attempt by a fighter to use their fingers in a manner that attacks their opponent’s mouth, nose or ears, stretching the skin to that area will be considered “Fish hooking”. Fish hooking generally is the placing of fingers into the mouth or your opponent and pulling your hands in opposing directions while holding onto the skin of your opponent.
5. Hair pulling;
a. Pulling of the hair in any fashion is an illegal action. A fighter may not grab a hold of his opponent’s hair to control their opponent in any way. If a fighter has long hair, they may not use their hair as a tool for holding or choking in any fashion.
6. Spiking the opponent to the canvas onto the head or neck (pile-driving);
a. Any throw with an arc to its motion is to be considered a legal throw. It does not matter if the opponents head hits the canvas. A pile driver is considered to be any throw where you control your opponent’s body placing their feet up in the air with their head straight down and then forcibly drives the opponents head into the canvas or flooring material. It should be noted when a fighter is placed into a submission hold by their opponent, if that fighter is capable of elevating their opponent, they may bring that opponent down in any fashion they desire because they are not in control of their opponent’s body. The fighter who is attempting the submission can either adjust their position or let go of their hold before being slammed to the canvas.
7. Strikes to the spine or the back of the head;
a. The back of the head starts at the Crown of the head with a one (1) inch variance to either side, running down the back of the head to the occipital junction.
b. This area stretches out at the occipital junction (nape of the neck) to cover the entire width of the neck. It then travels down the spine with a one (1) inch variance from the spine’s centerline, including the tailbone.
8. Throat strikes of any kind and/or grabbing the trachea;
a. No directed throat strikes are allowed. A directed attack would include a fighter pulling his opponents head in a way to open the neck area for a striking attack. A fighter may not gouge their fingers or thumb into their opponent’s neck or trachea in an attempt to submit their opponent. If during stand-up action of a fight a strike is thrown and the strike lands in the throat area of the fighter, this shall be viewed as a clean and legal blow.
9. Fingers outstretched toward an opponent’s face/eyes;
a. In the standing position, a fighter that moves their arm(s) toward their opponent with an open hand, fingers pointing at the opponent’s face/eyes, will be a foul. Referees are to prevent this dangerous behavior by communicating clearly to fighters. Fighters are directed to close their fists or point their fingers straight up in the air when reaching toward their opponent.
10. Groin attacks of any kind;
a. Any attack to the groin area including, striking, grabbing, pinching or twisting is illegal. It should be clear that groin attacks are the same for men and women.
11. Kneeing and/or Kicking the head of a grounded opponent.
a. A grounded fighter is defined as:
A fighter shall be considered grounded and may not be legally kneed or kicked to the head when any part of their body other than their hands or feet is in contact with the canvas (ground).
12. Stomping of a grounded fighter.
a. Stomping is considered any type of striking action with the feet where the fighter lifts their leg up bending their leg at the knee and initiating a striking action with the bottom of their foot or heel.
b. Axe kicks are not stomping. Standing foot stops are NOT a foul. As such, this foul does not include stomping the feet of a standing fighter.
13. Holding opponent’s gloves or shorts.
a. A fighter may not control their opponent’s movement by holding onto their opponent’s shorts or gloves. A fighter may hold onto or grab their opponent’s hand as long as they are not controlling the hand only by using the material of the glove, but by actually gripping the hand of the opponent. It is legal to hold onto your own gloves or shorts.
14. Holding or grabbing the fence or ropes with fingers or toes;
a. A fighter may put their hands on the fence and push off of it at any time. A fighter may place their feet onto the cage and have their toes go through the fencing material at any time. When a fighter’s fingers or toes go through the cage and grab hold of the fence and start to control either their body position or their opponent’s body position it now becomes an illegal action. A fighter may not grab the ropes or wrap their arms over or under the ring ropes at any time. The fighter may not purposely step through the ropes. If a fighter is caught holding the fence, cage or ring rope material the referee may issue a one-point deduction from the offending fighters scorecard if the foul caused a substantial effect in the fight. If a point deduction for holding the fence occurs, and because of the infraction, the fouling fighter ends up in a superior position due to the foul, the fighters should be re-started by the referee, standing in a neutral position.
15. Small joint manipulation;
a. Fingers and Toes are small joints. Wrists, Ankles, Knees, Shoulders and Elbows are all large joints. Grabbing the majority of fingers/toes at once is allowed.
16. Throwing an opponent out of the ring or caged area;
a. A fighter shall not throw their opponent out of the ring or cage.
17. Intentionally placing a finger into any orifice, or into any cut or laceration of your Opponent;
a. A fighter may not place their fingers into an open laceration in an attempt to enlarge the cut. A fighter may not place their fingers into an opponent’s, nose, ears, mouth, or any body cavity.
18. Clawing, pinching, twisting the flesh;
a. Any attack that targets the fighter’s skin by clawing at the skin or attempting to pull or twist the skin to apply pain is illegal.
19. Timidity (avoiding contact, or consistently dropping the mouthpiece, or faking an injury;
a. Timidity is defined as any fighter who purposely avoids contact with his opponent or runs away from the action of the fight. Timidity can also be called by the referee for any attempt by a fighter to receive time by falsely claiming a foul, injury, or purposely dropping or spitting out their mouthpiece or other action designed to stall or delay the action of the fight.
20. Use of abusive language in the fighting area.
a. The use of abusive language is not allowed during MMA competition. It is the sole responsibility of the referee to determine when language crosses over the line to abusive. It should be clear that fighters can talk during a match. The mere use of auditory language is not a violation of this rule. Examples of abusive language would be (Racially motivated or Derogatory language).
21. Flagrant disregard of the referee’s instructions;
a. A fighter MUST follow the instructions of the referee at all times. Any deviation or non-compliance may result in the fighter’s disqualification.
22. Unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to opponent;
a. Every athlete competing in the sport of MMA is expected to represent the sport in a positive light emphasizing sportsmanship and humility. Any athlete that disrespects the rules of the sport or attempts to inflict unnecessary harm on a competitor who has been either taken out of the competition by the referee or has tapped out of the competition shall be viewed as being unsportsmanlike.
23. Attacking an opponent after the bell has sounded the end of the period of unarmed combat.
a. The end of a round is signified by the sound of the bell and the call of time by the referee. Once the referee has made the call of time, any offensive actions initiated by the fighter shall be considered after the bell and illegal.
24. Attacking an opponent on or during the break;
a. A fighter shall not engage their opponent in any fashion during a time-out or break of action in competition.
25. Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee;
a. Once the referee has called for a stop of the action to protect a fighter who has been incapacitated or is unable to continue to compete in the fight, fighters shall cease all offensive actions against their opponent.
26. Interference from a mixed martial artist’s corner or seconds;
a. Interference is defined as any action or activity aimed at disrupting the fight or causing an unfair advantage to be given to a corner’s combatant. Corners are not allowed to distract the referee or influence the actions of the referee in any fashion.
A. Intentional Fouls
1. If an intentional foul causes an injury, and the injury is severe enough to terminate the bout immediately, the fighter causing the injury shall lose by disqualification.
2. If an intentional foul causes an injury and the bout is allowed to continue, the referee shall notify the authorities and deduct two (2) points from the fighter who caused the foul. Point deductions for intentional fouls will be mandatory.
3. If an intentional foul causes a laceration and/or swelling and the bout is allowed to continue, and the injury results in the fight being stopped in any round after ½ of the scheduled rounds, of the fight has been completed, by either another legal or illegal strike, the injured fighter will win by TECHNICAL DECISION if they are ahead on the score cards; and the bout will result in a TECHNICAL DRAW if the injured fighter is behind or even on the score cards.
4. If the fighter injures himself/herself while attempting to intentionally foul their opponent, the referee will not act in their favor, and this injury shall be the same as one produced by a fair blow.
5. If the referee feels that a fighter has conducted themselves in an unsportsmanlike manner, they may stop the action of the fight to deduct points or stop the bout to disqualify the fighter.
B. Accidental Fouls
1.If an accidental foul causes an injury severe enough for the referee to stop the bout, the bout will result in either a NO CONTEST or DISQUALIFICATION if stopped before ½ of the scheduled rounds
2. If an accidental foul causes an injury severe enough for the referee to stop the bout after ½ of the scheduled rounds, the bout will result in a TECHNICAL DECISION awarded to the fighter who is ahead on the score cards at the time the bout is stopped.
i. Partial or incomplete rounds will be scored. If no action has occurred, the round should be scored as an even round. This is at the discretion of the judges.
3. If a fighter, during the course of a round, visibly loses control of bodily function (vomit, urine, feces), the fight shall be stopped by the referee and the fighter shall lose the contest by a Technical Knockout (TKO) due to Medical Stoppage.
i. In the event a loss of bodily function occurs in the rest period between rounds, the ringside physician shall be called in to evaluate if the combatant can continue. If the combatant is not cleared by the ringside physician to continue, that combatant shall lose by a Technical Knockout (TKO) due to Medical Stoppage.
ii. If fecal matter becomes apparent at any time, the contest shall be halted by the referee, and the offending combatant shall lose by a Technical Knockout (TKO) due to Medical Stoppage
C. Foul Procedures: If a foul is committed, the referee shall:
1. Call Time;
2. Check the fouled mixed martial artist’s condition and safety; and
3. Assess the foul for potential point(s) deductions and/or time considerations.
4. During all time out procedures, there shall be no coaching of a contestant permitted.
D. Eye Poke Foul Procedure:
1. Once the Referee calls time for the foul, the fighter is permitted the use of a cold compress or wet towel on the injured eye.
2. Unless the fighter requires immediate medical attention the Referee and Ringside Physician shall allow the fighter time to compose themselves so the fighter can then give a verbal “yes” or “no” that they can see.
• This procedure does not preclude the Ringside Physician from being able to evaluate the injury at any time during the timeout.
E. Time Consideration:
1. If a foul to the groin or eye poke or strike to back of the head occurs and the competitor is able to continue, the fouled contestant may have up to five (5) minutes to recover.
2. Fighters injured severely enough by a foul to require medical consultation may be given up to five (5) minutes, at the referee’s discretion, for evaluation by the ringside physician before a decision to continue is rendered.
3. At no time may a referee call a timeout to evaluate the impact of a legal strike, other than when a laceration is present.
REQUIRED:
o Tape permitted on wrists and hands, but not knuckles
o Cloth or gauze handwraps secured by tape permitted
o Handwraps must be signed off by GCA representative
PERMITTED:
*FORBIDDEN:
Explanation of Knockdowns or Standing 8 Count:
Standing 8s and knockdowns MAY be determined by the referee if the fighter is knocked down or stunned as a result from opponent’s damaging strikes.
Turning your back on your opponent will result in a standing 8 count.
Balance shots where the knocked down fighter rises up immediately after being knocked down MAY not be counted as a knockdown or standing 8 count if determined by the referee to be a balance shot. However, if the knocked down fighter does not get up immediately, this may result in a standing 8 count even if originally deemed a balance shot.
Throws/Sweeps are never considered knockdowns.
REQUIRED:
PERMITTED:
*FORBIDDEN:
Non-Title Amateur Bouts:
Three (3) rounds, two (2) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds.
Title Amateur Bouts:
Five (5) rounds, two (2) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds.
Up to 105 lbs Mini Flyweight 105.1 lbs – 112 lbs Super Flyweight 112.1 lbs – 118 lbs Bantam Weight 118.1 lbs – 126 lbs Featherweight 126.1 lbs – 136 lbs Lightweight 136.1 lbs – 147 lbs Welterweight 147.1 lbs – 160 lbs Super Welterweight 160.1 lbs – 175 lbs Middleweight 175.1 lbs – 190 lbs Cruiserweight 190.1 lbs – 205lbs Light heavyweight 205.1 lbs – 220 lbs Heavyweight Over 220 lbs Super heavyweight |
Contestants are allowed a 1lb allowance when weighing.
GCA may approve catch weight bouts subject to their review and discretion.
Hand Strikes:
Arm Strikes:
Legs:
Takedowns and Throws:
Chokes:
Locks:
REQUIRED:
PERMITTED:
PERMITTED APPAREL:
*FORBIDDEN:
REQUIRED:
PERMITTED:
NOTE: Violation of rules by corner personnel can result in warnings, point deductions, dismissal of corner man and/or disqualification of that corner’s fighter
Non-Title Professional Fights:
Three (3) rounds, five (5) minutes each, with one minute rest in between rounds.
Title Professional Fights:
Five (5) rounds, five (5) minutes each, with one minute rest in between rounds.
Up to 105 lbs Mini flyweight (females only)
105.1 lbs – 115 lbs Light Flyweight (females only)
115.1 lbs – 125 lbs Flyweight (females only)
125.1 lbs – 135 lbs Bantam Weight
135.1 lbs – 145 lbs Featherweight
145.1 lbs – 155 lbs Lightweight
155.1 lbs – 170 lbs Welterweight
170.1 lbs – 185 lbs Middleweight
185.1 lbs – 205 lbs Light heavyweight
205.1 lbs – 265 lbs Heavyweight
Over 265 lbs Super heavyweight
Explanation of Knockdowns or Standing 8 Count:
Standing 8s and knockdowns MAY be determined by the referee if the fighter is knocked down or stunned as a result from opponent’s damaging strikes.
Turning your back on your opponent will result in a standing 8 count.
Balance shots where the knocked down fighter rises up immediately after being knocked down MAY not be counted as a knockdown or standing 8 count if determined by the referee to be a balance shot. However, if the knocked down fighter does not get up immediately, this may result in a standing 8 count even if originally deemed a balance shot.
Throws are never considered knockdowns.
REQUIRED:
PERMITTED:
PERMITTED APPAREL:
*FORBIDDEN:
REQUIRED:
PERMITTED:
NOTE: Violation of rules by corner personnel can result in warnings, point deductions, dismissal of corner man and/or disqualification of that corner’s fighter
Non-Title Professional Bouts:
Three (3) rounds, three (3) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds.
Title Professional Bouts:
Five (5) rounds, three (3) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds.
Up to 105 lbs Flyweight (females only)
105.1 lbs – 112 lbs Super Flyweight
112.1 lbs – 118 lbs Bantam Weight
118.1 lbs – 126 lbs Featherweight
126.1 lbs – 135 lbs Lightweight
135.1 lbs – 147 lbs Welterweight
147.1 lbs – 160 lbs Super Welterweight
160.1 lbs – 175 lbs Middleweight
175.1 lbs – 190 lbs Cruiserweight
190.1 lbs – 205lbs Light heavyweight
205.1 lbs – 220 lbs Heavyweight
Over 220 lbs Super heavyweight
Explanation of Knockdowns or Standing 8 Count:
Standing 8s and knockdowns MAY be determined by the referee if the fighter is knocked down or stunned as a result from opponent’s damaging strikes.
Turning your back on your opponent will result in a standing 8 count.
Balance shots where the knocked down fighter rises up immediately after being knocked down MAY not be counted as a knockdown or standing 8 count if determined by the referee to be a balance shot. However, if the knocked down fighter does not get up immediately, this may result in a standing 8 count even if originally deemed a balance shot.
Throws/Sweeps are never considered knockdowns.
Consequences of Rule Infractions
Referees are responsible for enforcing the rules of the contest and shall not permit fouls or other unfair practices that may cause an injury to a contestant. Referees shall warn contestants who commit fouls during the contest. If a contestant commits a foul in the ring, the referee shall have the discretion to determine the following:
REQUIRED:
PERMITTED:
PERMITTED APPAREL:
*FORBIDDEN:
Non-Title Amateur Bouts:
Three (3) rounds, two (2) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds.
Title Amateur Bouts:
Five (5) rounds, two (2) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds.
Weight Class | Weight in Lbs | Max Weight Spread | Glove sizes |
Atomweight | 112 & below | 3 lbs – 1.36kg | 8-10 oz |
Flyweight | 112.1 – 117 | 3 lbs – 1.36 kg | 8-10 oz |
Bantamweight | 117.1 – 122 | 4 lbs – 1.8 kg | 8-10 oz |
Featherweight | 122.1 – 127 | 4 lbs – 1.8 kg | 8-10 oz |
Lightweight | 127.1 – 132 | 4 lbs – 1.8 kg | 8-10 oz |
Super Lightweight | 132.1 – 137 | 5 lbs – 2.3 kg | 8-10 oz |
Light Welterweight | 137.1 – 142 | 5 lbs – 2.3 kg | 8-10 oz |
Welterweight | 142.1 – 147 | 7 lbs – 3.2 kg | 8-10 oz |
Super Welterweight | 147.1 – 153 | 7 lbs – 3.2 kg | 10 oz |
Light Middleweight | 153.1 – 159 | 7 lbs – 3.2 kg | 10 oz |
Middleweight | 159.1 – 165 | 7 lbs – 3.2 kg | 10 oz |
Super Middleweight | 165.1 – 172 | 7 lbs – 3.2 kg | 10 oz |
Light Heavyweight | 172.1 – 179 | 7 lbs – 3.2 kg | 10 oz |
Light Cruiserweight | 179.1 – 186 | 7 lbs – 3.2 kg | 10 oz |
Cruiserweight | 186.1 – 195 | 12 lbs – 5.5 kg | 10 oz |
Heavyweight | 195.1 – 215 | 20 lbs – 9.1 kg | 10 oz |
Super Heavyweight | 215.1 and up | No limit | 10 oz |
Contestants are allowed a 1lb allowance when weighing.
GCA may approve catch weight bouts subject to their review and discretion.
Explanation of Knockdowns or Standing 8 Count:
Standing 8s and knockdowns MAY be determined by the referee if the fighter is knocked down or stunned as a result from opponent’s damaging strikes.
Turning your back on your opponent will result in a standing 8 count.
Balance shots where the knocked down fighter rises up immediately after being knocked down MAY not be counted as a knockdown or standing 8 count if determined by the referee to be a balance shot. However, if the knocked down fighter does not get up immediately, this may result in a standing 8 count even if originally deemed a balance shot.
REQUIRED:
PERMITTED:
PERMITTED APPAREL:
*FORBIDDEN:
Non-Title Amateur Bouts:
Three (3) rounds, two (2) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds.
Title Amateur Bouts:
Five (5) rounds, two (2) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds.
Up to 105 lbs Flyweight (females only)
105.1 lbs – 112 lbs Super Flyweight
112.1 lbs – 118 lbs Bantam Weight
118.1 lbs – 126 lbs Featherweight
126.1 lbs – 135 lbs Lightweight
135.1 lbs – 147 lbs Welterweight
147.1 lbs – 160 lbs Super Welterweight
160.1 lbs – 175 lbs Middleweight
175.1 lbs – 190 lbs Cruiserweight
190.1 lbs – 205lbs Light heavyweight
205.1 lbs – 220 lbs Heavyweight
Over 220 lbs Super heavyweight
Contestants are allowed a 1lb allowance when weighing.
GCA may approve catch weight bouts subject to their review and discretion.
Explanation of Knockdowns or Standing 8 Count:
Standing 8s and knockdowns MAY be determined by the referee if the fighter is knocked down or stunned as a result from opponent’s damaging strikes.
Turning your back on your opponent will result in a standing 8 count.
Balance shots where the knocked down fighter rises up immediately after being knocked down MAY not be counted as a knockdown or standing 8 count if determined by the referee to be a balance shot. However, if the knocked down fighter does not get up immediately, this may result in a standing 8 count even if originally deemed a balance shot.
Throws/Sweeps are never considered knockdowns.
REQUIRED:
PERMITTED:
PERMITTED APPAREL:
*FORBIDDEN:
Non-Title Amateur Bouts:
Three (3) rounds, two (2) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds.
Title Amateur Bouts:
Five (5) rounds, two (2) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds.
Up to 108 lbs Strawweight
108.1 lbs – 112 lbs Atomweight
112.1 lbs – 117 lbs Flyweight
117.1 lbs – 122 lbs Bantamweight
122.1 lbs – 127 lbs Featherweight
127.1 lbs – 132 lbs Lightweight
132.1 lbs – 137 lbs Super Lightweight
137.1 lbs – 142 lbs Light Welterweight
142.1 lbs – 147 lbs Welterweight
142.1 lbs – 147 lbs Welterweight
142.1 lbs – 147 lbs Welterweight
147.1 lbs – 153 lbs Light Middleweight
153.1 lbs – 159 lbs Welterweight
159.1 lbs – 165 lbs Middleweight
165.1 lbs – 172 lbs Super Middleweight
172.1 lbs – 179 lbs Light Heavyweight
179.1 lbs – 186 lbs Light Cruiserweight
186.1 lbs – 195 lbs Cruiserweight
195.1 lbs – 215 lbs Super Cruiserweight
215.1 lbs – 235 lbs Heavyweight
Over 235 lbs Super heavyweight
Contestants are allowed a 1lb allowance when weighing.
GCA may approve catch weight bouts subject to their review and discretion.
Explanation of Knockdowns or Standing 8 Count:
Standing 8s and knockdowns MAY be determined by the referee if the fighter is knocked down or stunned as a result from opponent’s damaging strikes.
Turning your back on your opponent will result in a standing 8 count.
Balance shots where the knocked down fighter rises up immediately after being knocked down MAY not be counted as a knockdown or standing 8 count if determined by the referee to be a balance shot. However, if the knocked down fighter does not get up immediately, this may result in a standing 8 count even if originally deemed a balance shot.
Throws/Sweeps are never considered knockdowns.
REQUIRED:
PERMITTED:
PERMITTED APPAREL:
*FORBIDDEN:
Non-Title Amateur Bouts:
Three (3) rounds, two (2) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds.
Title Amateur Bouts:
Five (5) rounds, two (2) minutes each, with one (1) minute rest in between rounds.
Up to 108 lbs Strawweight
108.1 lbs – 112 lbs Atomweight
112.1 lbs – 117 lbs Flyweight
117.1 lbs – 122 lbs Bantamweight
122.1 lbs – 127 lbs Featherweight
127.1 lbs – 132 lbs Lightweight
132.1 lbs – 137 lbs Super Lightweight
137.1 lbs – 142 lbs Light Welterweight
142.1 lbs – 147 lbs Welterweight
142.1 lbs – 147 lbs Welterweight
142.1 lbs – 147 lbs Welterweight
147.1 lbs – 153 lbs Light Middleweight
153.1 lbs – 159 lbs Welterweight
159.1 lbs – 165 lbs Middleweight
165.1 lbs – 172 lbs Super Middleweight
172.1 lbs – 179 lbs Light Heavyweight
179.1 lbs – 186 lbs Light Cruiserweight
186.1 lbs – 195 lbs Cruiserweight
195.1 lbs – 215 lbs Super Cruiserweight
215.1 lbs – 235 lbs Heavyweight
Over 235 lbs Super heavyweight
Contestants are allowed a 1lb allowance when weighing.
GCA may approve catch weight bouts subject to their review and discretion.
Bouts will be reviewed ONLY when legitimate protests are received according to the set guidelines.
Process of Protesting a Bout Result
Upon receipt of the protest and all above requirements, GCA will conduct a review, including the following:
Possible protests
Examples of when the original result of a bout may be changed by the GCA
Possible rulings
Not Changing a Decision
Reviewing officials are not able to see a clear and distinct difference in the original bout decision. Close decisions are often left as is due to the reality of the closeness of the bout.
Changing an outcome to a “No Contest” or “Draw”
Changing a Loss or Draw to a Win
Protest Fee: $100 made payable to Global Combat Alliance
Penalties may be incurred if a fighter fails to show up on the day of the scheduled bout; or if a fighter withdraws from a fight less than one week of the scheduled bout. Exceptions may be given in certain cases (i.e. injury, medical emergency, military duty) provided sufficient documentation is provided, notification is immediate, and permission is granted by an authorized GCA official. Exceptions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed to any fighter.
