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Step 1
Keep it clean.
The UFC rules are very specific about making sure there is a clean fight between two opponents, and there are obvious dirty fighting techniques that will count against a fighter. Some things that can’t be done in the octagon are: head-butting, eye-gouging, biting, hair pulling and spitting at your opponent.
Other not so obvious dirty fighting moves that can’t be done are fish hooking (sticking your finger in an opponents mouth and pulling to the side), grabbing the clavicle (that bone between your neck and shoulder) and flesh grabbing moves (pinching, clawing, twisting, Tuning-In-Tokyo etc.). It is also illegal to hold the clothing of a fighter such as their shorts or gloves, or hold onto the fence trying to gain leverage or trap your opponent.
Finally the dirtiest move that can be made when fighting another man is also illegal – groin attacks. Since kicking is a big part of UFC fighting (and kicking the opponent’s legs or thighs in particular) there are bound to be shots to the groin on accident. The referee will usually give a warning if it is obviously accidental contact. But if it keeps happening, there is something wrong and the referee will give penalties or disqualify a fighter who can’t control their aim. -
Step 2
Avoid permanent damage
UFC rules are also meant to protect the fighter from potentially fatal or paralyzing attacks; attacks of this nature are against the rules. Striking to the opponent’s spine or back of the head; this could cause paralysis or permanent brain damage. Striking an opponent’s throat or grabbing the trachea; this could easily be fatal. Striking downward with the point of the elbow or kicking to the kidney with the heel. These last two moves were actually used frequently under the old UFC rules, but they could cause serious, permanent damage and have been banned since. -
Step 3
Hit them when they’re down – but do it right
Hitting an opponent on the ground is a big part of the UFC, in fact one of the most popular moves is the ‘ground and pound’. But there are certain attacks that are against the UFC rules regarding a downed opponent. It is illegal to kick or knee the head of a grounded opponent. If your opponent has even one knee on the ground, you cannot kick or knee their head. Punching or elbowing is okay, as long as it’s not the back of their head. And it is also okay to kick their sides or legs when they are grounded, just not the head. It is also illegal to stomp a grounded opponent. Stomping is bringing the heel of your foot straight down onto a grounded opponent and could cause serious damage. -
Step 4
Keep your fingers to yourself (and leave theirs alone)
A couple of UFC rules regard what you can and cannot do with fingers and toes. One thing that is against the rules is small joint manipulation. This means you cannot make moves designed to bend or break your opponent’s fingers or toes. Limit submission moves to the larger joints such as an arm bar or ankle lock. You also have to watch what you do with your fingers. It is against the UFC rules to put a finger into any orifice or cut, not only is it illegal it’s also unsanitary. -
Step 5
Time it right
Fights are scheduled for 3 five minute rounds (or 5 rounds if it is a title fight), which gives plenty of time for combat. There are several UFC rules in place that tell when attacking an opponent is against the rules and can draw a foul. You cannot attack an opponent during the break between rounds. You cannot attack an opponent that is under the care of the referee. This one could get you immediately disqualified, referees don’t like to be blindsided or inadvertently struck by someone breaking the rules. And finally you cannot attack an opponent after final bell as sounded. When the fight’s over let the judge’s decide, don’t try to get in ‘one last lick’, because all it can do is hurt you at the decision. -
Step 6
Remember: this is not WWE wrestling
Some people are under the misconception that UFC is like WWE wrestling where actors stage fights and use ridiculously over the top moves and tactics designed more for drama than fighting. There are several UFC rules against doing things that are acceptable in wrestling. They may look cool, but they will lose points or get you kicked out of a UFC fight.
In UFC you cannot spike an opponent on his head or neck. The piledriver may look cool when executed by professional actors, but could kill someone in a real UFC fight. No interference by people in your corner. In the UFC you can’t have your manager jump in the ring and bash your opponent with a megaphone, chair or shovel. No throwing an opponent out of the octagon in UFC. It is a nice way to get audience participation in wrestling, but in the UFC it can be dangerous for the fighters and anyone near the ring.
Another way the UFC rules differentiate from WWE wrestling is that fighters have to maintain a certain level of conduct in the octagon. For instance, no abusive language can be used in the octagon. You can trash talk, but swearing or threatening action outside the ring is not allowed. It is also against the UFC rules to flagrantly disregard the referee or engage in unsportsmanlike conduct that injures an opponent. So no pushing the ref out of the way to put a python on a downed opponent or blind him with chalk dust before hitting him with a 2x4. -
Step 7
Finally there are a few UFC rules designed to keep the fight interesting and action packed. UFC prides itself on aggressive fights so it is against the rules to be timid or fake your way out of a fight. This means you will get penalized for running from your opponent, faking an injury or spitting out your mouthpiece to keep stopping the fight. It is also against the rules for your corner to throw in the towel during the fight. You can tap out if being submitted, or the ref can stop the fight if someone is too injured or disoriented to go on, but you can’t just give up for no reason.
