Rules

1. Beginning the fight

The fighters start opposite each other in standing position.

2. Allowed techniques

While in upright position a fighter is allowed to make kicking and punching techniques. One is no longer in upright position if any other body part than the feet is touching the ground. Knee techniques to the head are allowed during the standing fight. During the ground fight knee techniques are allowed only to the body. Techniques of wrestling, judo and jiu jitsu may be used in all positions during the fight Elbows are only allowed to the body and legs. Punches to the head are allowed in all standing situations If both fighters are on the floor they are not allowed to use kicking techniques to the head. If one is standing and the other is not in upright position, the fighter who stands is not allowed to kick or knee to the head.

3. Duration of the fight and the declaration of the winner

The duration of a professional Mixfight depends on the contract a fighter signed..

Class	Rounds	Rest
Challenge Fights	2 x 5 min	1 min	Possible extra round 5 minutes
Challenge Title Fights	3 x 5 min	1 min	Possible extra round 5 minutes
Prestige Fights	3 x 5 min	1 min	Possible extra round 5 minutes
Ranking Fight	1 x 10 min		Possible extra round 5 minutes
Title Fights	1 x 10 min + 1 x 5 min	1 min	Possible extra round 5 minutes

If the result of the fight is a draw, there will be an extra round of five (5) minutes. If there is still no decision after this extra round the match will end in a draw. An exception is made for the M-1 Challenge fights. Here the judges must appoint a winner after the extra round. In title fights there will be a second extra round, after which the judges are obliged to make a decision.

If the referee decides that there is no possibility to continue the fight, or in case of insufficient fighting (Lay and Pray) while on the floor, he can interrupt the fight. The fight then must be continued from a standing position. In the event that both fighters are on the verge of falling out of the ring, the referee will alert them and ask them not to move. The fighters must immediately stop their movements and will then move back to the centre of the ring and take exactly the position they were in. They will then resume the fight at the referee’s call. The referee will also stop the groundfight if one of the fighters mounts the other and lands a number of clear punches on the head of his opponent. The victim will then be declared the loser.

When the fight is over and both fighters are still in upright position, the results of the scoring sheets of the judges must make the decision. If the result is a draw there will be an extra round of five (5) minutes. If after this round both are still standing,, checking the results of the scoring sheets of the judges must make the final and ultimate decision. All scoring will be marked out of ten (10). In the professional class there is no 8-count rule. When the fight is over and both fighters are still in upright position, the decision will be made by the judges. If this decision results in a draw, there will be an extra round of five (5) minutes. If there is still no decision after this extra round the match will end in a draw. In title fights there will be a second extra round, after which the judges are obliged to make a decision.

4. End of the fight

The fight is over when:

The scheduled time is passed
There is a (technical) knock out
One of the fighters taps out or verbally submits himself
When the towel is thrown in the ring
If one of the fighters is not able to continue the fight and retires
If one of the fighters leaves the ring intentionally without permission of the referee during the fight
If the doctor advises the referee to stop the fight
After three (3) official warnings
In case of excessive bleeding, bad matchmaking or an over class situation. A referee can stop the fight when he judges that continuing the match would be not in favour of the sport
In case of serious misbehaviour the referee can stop de fight immediately and disqualify the offender without an official warning

When an illegal action disqualifies both fighters, or when the judges and/or the promoter decide to end the fight because of an accident in or around the ring, or an accident happened in the first (1^st) round or in the first five minutes of the fight, causes either or both fighters to be unable to continue to the next round, the fight shall be ruled a “No Contest.” However, in the case that the above mentioned accident happens after five (5) minutes or after the second (2^nd) round, a decision shall be made according to their performance during the first five minutes, (1^st) round and the following round(s) before the accident occurred.

Criteria for the Judges decision

Effort to finish the fight by KO or submission
Damage
Standing combinations and ground control
Takedowns and defense
Aggressiveness
Weight differences (15 Kilos or more at heavyweight)
Stamina and Physical endurance

1. Effort to finish by KO or submission

Fighters who are striking with force and intention that may result in a KO will be awarded in this criteria, that applies both standing and on the ground. “Catch” or near submissions, as well as multiple attempts will score in this criteria.

2. Damage

Any strike that does damage or accumulations of strikes that result in damage are awarded here. Damage may be visible such as a cut or bruised leg, or it may be shown by an opponent’s reaction to a strike such as favoring a leg that has been kicked or turning away from a body shot. A near submission may also result in damage points.

3. Standing combinations and ground control

When a fighter lands a skillful combination of strikes while standing, they are awarded this criteria. Ground control is awarded by achieving dominant positions and holding them. Dominant positions are side control, mount, back mount with hooks, knee ride, and north-south. Neutral positions are standing and in guard. Fighters are encouraged to strive for dominant position throughout the fight.

4. Takedown and defense

A skillfully executed takedown will score in this category, repeatedly stopping your opponent’s takedown will also score in this category. Multiple takedowns, even if not executed skillfully will also score here.

5. Aggressiveness

The fighter who is pressing the action while standing, seeking dominant position on the ground and working to finish the match, will score here.

6. Weight difference

If a fighter is more than 15 Kilos lighter at heavyweight, then he will be given an advantage here. This is only taken into consideration when the higher criteria are even.

7. Stamina and physical endurance

If it’s an even fight, the fighter who showed better stamina and physical endurance in the end, will get the advantage.

Negative points – yellow cards

When the fighters are fighting as demanded by the criteria, there is no need for interference from referees or judges. However, when a fighter is not fighting in this manner, then he may receive a yellow card penalty. The fighters are encouraged to engage and strike or attempt takedowns when standing, by the referee’s command of “action.” When on the ground, fighters are encouraged to seek dominant positions, forced reversals or return to the feet by the referee’s command of “improve position.” When in a dominant position, a fighter is encouraged to finish by effective striking or submission by the referee’s command of “work to finish.” If either fighter does not obey the command and actively seek dominant positions and finishes, they may receive a yellow card, which will result in a negative point deduction. Any intentional or unintentional foul or unsportsmanlike conduct may also result in a yellow card and negative point. If a foul is committed by a fighter who is in a disadvantaged position during the ground fight, the referee will stop the fight and order them to stay in the same position. He will then give the yellow card and let them resume the fight. If the fighter who committed the foul was in advantage position he will get the yellow card and the fight will be resumed standing up.

Judges Decision

It is the responsibility of three side judges to judge the contest fairly and without prejudice. This is based on an overall impression such as willingness to fight, aggressiveness, better endurance and technique. After the fight, each judge must independently decide which fighter was better or if he/she scored the fight as a draw. An official warning results in a minus point on each of the judges’ scoring sheets.

Unanimous Decision: The result is Unanimous Decision when all the judges score the same fighter as the winner. The winner is the fighter who was scored by all judges to win the fight
Majority Decision: The result is Majority Decision when two judges score the same fighter as the winner and the third judge scores the fight draw. The winner is the fighter who was scored by two judges to win the fight
Split Decision: The result is Split Decision when two judges score the same fighter as the winner and the third judge scores the opponent as the winner. The winner is the fighter who was scored by two judges to win the fight
Unanimous Draw: The result is Unanimous Draw when all the judges score the match even. Neither fighter is the winner
Majority Draw: The result is Majority Draw when two judges score the match even and the third judge scores either fighter as the winner. Neither fighter is the winner.
Split Draw: The result is Split Draw when one judge scores the match even, one judge scores the fighter from red corner as the winner and one judge scores the fighter from blue corner as the winner. Neither fighter is the winner

5. Clothing and protection

The fighter has to wear short or long fighting pants. He is obliged to wear fist protection provided by the promoter. Mouth and groin protection must be used. Taping of hands and feet is allowed, but has to be approved by the referee. Fighters are bare footed or wear wrestling shoes. If a fighter wears wrestling shoes he is not allowed to kick to his opponent’s head. Nails of fingers and toes should be short clipped. It is not allowed to use any oil or greasy substances on any part of the body.

6. Coaching

A maximum of 3 corner men are allowed at ringside.This with exception of the M-1 Challenge where there are only 2 corner men allowed. They are to remain seated during the fight and only one person is allowed to coach. There will be no disorderly behavior or shouting, only instructions may be given. It is not allowed to encourage the fighters by slamming the ring floor or pulling the ropes. During the fight it is not allowed to enter the ring except when the referee specifically allows it. Disqualification can follow when the ring is entered without permission or at disorderly behavior. Only the ring doctor is allowed in the ring without consulting the referee.

7. Forbidden techniques

Techniques that can lead to disqualification are:

Head butts
Elbow techniques above the shoulders
Attacking the groin
Piledriving
Pinching
Squeezing the Adam’s apple
Striking the throat, neck or spinal cord
Kicking and knee techniques towards the joints
Kicking and knee techniques to the head during the groundfight
If one of the fighters is not in upright position and the groundfight has not commenced yet, the other is not allowed to kick or knee to the head. Someone is on the ground if he has any other part of his body on the ground than his feet
Punching the head during the groundfight if it is not an A-class fight
Biting, spitting, scratching
Hair pulling
Small joint manipulation. Finger locks (four or more fingers is allowed)
Poking fingers in the eyes
Fishhook (fingers in opponent’s mouth)
Use of oil, grease and balms on the body
Hitting with the open hand
Hitting, punching or kicking after the command ‘BREAK’, or ‘STOP’ of the ring referee
Hitting, punching or kicking when someone is outside the ropes
While in upright position and having an opponent in a neck lock it is not allowed to drag him, throw him or even try to throw him, unless an arm is included
Neck twisting techniques
If a fighter wears wrestling shoes he is not allowed to kick to his opponent’s head
Unsportsman-like conduct
Intentionally avoiding the fight
Insulting the referee, opponent or spectators
Intentionally throwing the opponent out of the ring
Holding the ring ropes in such a way in order to lock or fix the opponent, or holding to the ropes in a clinch position
Intentionally spitting out the mouth protector
Pretending to be hit in the groin
Not following the commands of the referee
The use of weapons, sticks, bars and other foreign objects

If a fighter performs one of the above-mentioned manoeuvres, the referee will give a caution in case of a minor violation. In case of a repeated or a major violation he will give an official warning. In case of serious misdemeanour or violation of the rules the referee can stop de fight immediately and disqualify the offender without an official warning The referee should inform the head of judges hereof with a clear gesture or with a yellow card.

8. Official warning and disqualification

After one (1) forbidden action the transgressor gets a caution. If the transgressor is in an unfavourable position when this happens during the groundfight he will get a verbal admonition and the fight will not be interrupted to continue standing up unless he injures his opponent. In this case he will receive an immediate official warning. After the second caution he will get an official warning. An official warning gives one (1) minus point on each of the judges’ scoring sheets. At the third official warning the referee will stop the fight and disqualify the violator. A fighter can also get an official warning when his corner men are misbehaving or do not follow up the instructions of the referee. If the referee judges that the forbidden action is serious and was done intentionally, he can give an immediate official warning or disqualify without any cautions. If the victim is not able to continue the fight after the first forbidden action, the transgressor will also be disqualified. In case of serious misdemeanour the IMA board can decide to suspend the offender for indefinite time or exclude him from fighting for a certain period. If he has any titles they can take those away from him. They can also decide to give him a financial penalty like not paying him his fee or fine him. Beginners or Newcomers (N-class): Sporters without any other ringfighting experience are allowed to fight a maximum of three (3) fights in this class. After that it is compulsory for them to advance to the amateur or C-class. If however they do have any other Martial Arts experience they can start fighting in the Amateur class without entering the Beginners class first. Fighters do not have to advance to the Semi Prof or Prof class if they don’t want to.

	BEGINNERS	AMATEURS	SEMI PROF	PROF
Punching standing up fight	Head allowed Body allowed	Head allowed Body allowed	Head allowed Body allowed	Head allowed Body allowed
Kicking standing up fight	Head allowed Body allowed	Head allowed Body allowed	Head allowed Body allowed	Head allowed Body allowed
Knees standing up fight	Head NOT allowed Body allowed	Head allowed Body allowed	Head allowed Body allowed	Head allowed Body allowed
Elbows standing up & groundfight	Head NOT allowed Body allowed	Head NOT allowed Body allowed	Head NOT allowed Body allowed	Head NOT allowed Body allowed
Punching 3 point position	Head NOT allowed Body allowed	Head allowed Body allowed	Head allowed Body allowed	Head allowed Body allowed
Kicking 3 point position	Head NOT allowed Body allowed	Head NOT allowed Body allowed	Head NOT allowed Body allowed	Head NOT allowed Body allowed
Knees 3 point position, except if opponent shoots	Head NOT allowed Body allowed	Head NOT allowed Body allowed	Head NOT allowed Body allowed	Head NOT allowed Body allowed
Punching in Groundfight	Head NOT allowed Body allowed	Head NOT allowed Body allowed	Head allowed Body allowed	Head allowed Body allowed
Kicking in Groundfight	Head NOT allowed Body allowed	Head NOT allowed Body allowed	Head NOT allowed Body allowed	Head NOT allowed Body allowed
Knees in Groundfight	Head NOT allowed Body NOT allowed	Head NOT allowed Body allowed	Head NOT allowed Body allowed	Head NOT allowed Body allowed
Rope escapes/8 tellen	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Time	2 x 3 min	2 x 5 min	2 x 5 min	2 x 5 or according to contract
Break between rounds	1 min	1 min	1 min	1 min or according to contract

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