Women’s Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in India follows the regulations set by major international governing bodies such as the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and the Unified Rules of MMA, which are adopted by many major MMA organizations globally. These rules ensure safety, fairness, and consistency in competition. Here are the key rules and regulations:

Weight Classes

1. Strawweight: Up to 52 kg (115 lbs)
2. Flyweight: Up to 56.7 kg (125 lbs)
3. Bantamweight: Up to 61.2 kg (135 lbs)
4. Featherweight: Up to 65.8 kg (145 lbs)
5. Lightweight: Up to 70.3 kg (155 lbs)

Match Structure

Duration:

• Professional fights typically consist of three rounds, each lasting five minutes.
• Championship fights may consist of five rounds, each lasting five minutes.
• Amateur fights may have shorter rounds, typically three minutes each.

Rest Period: There is a one-minute rest period between each round.

Fight Rules

Legal Techniques:

• Striking (punches, kicks, elbows, knees) is allowed while standing.
• Grappling (takedowns, throws, submissions) is allowed both standing and on the ground.
• Ground-and-pound (striking an opponent on the ground) is allowed.

Illegal Techniques:

• Headbutts, eye gouging, biting, spitting.
• Hair pulling, fish hooking, groin attacks.
• Strikes to the back of the head or spine.
• Small joint manipulation (e.g., twisting fingers or toes).
• Attacking a grounded opponent with kicks or knees to the head.
• Throat strikes and clawing, pinching, or twisting the flesh.
• Intentional attempts to break an opponent’s bone or cause injury.
• Using abusive language or unsportsmanlike conduct.

Fouls and Penalties

Warnings: Fighters are given warnings for minor infractions.

Point Deductions: Referees can deduct points for more serious fouls.

Disqualification: Severe or repeated fouls can lead to disqualification.

No Contest: If a fight is stopped due to an unintentional foul before a certain point, it may be declared a no contest.

Conduct and Discipline

Fair Play: Fighters must respect the rules, officials, and their opponents.

Anti-Doping: Fighters must adhere to anti-doping regulations. The use of prohibited substances can result in disqualification, suspension, and other penalties.

Behavior: Fighters are expected to maintain professionalism and sportsmanship, both in and out of the ring.

Fight Outcome

Knockout (KO): When a fighter is rendered unconscious due to strikes.

Technical Knockout (TKO): When the referee stops the fight due to one fighter’s inability to continue safely.

Submission: When a fighter taps out or verbally submits due to a submission hold.

Technical Submission: When a fighter is unconscious or has a limb in a compromising position and the referee stops the fight.

Decision: If the fight goes the distance, judges score the bout based on effective striking, grappling, aggression, and octagon control.

• Unanimous Decision: All three judges score the fight for one fighter.
• Split Decision: Two judges score the fight for one fighter, and the third judge scores it for the other.
• Majority Decision: Two judges score the fight for one fighter, and the third judge scores it a draw.

Draw: When the judges’ scores result in a tie.

• Unanimous Draw: All three judges score the fight a draw.
• Majority Draw: Two judges score the fight a draw, and the third judge scores it for one fighter.
• Split Draw: One judge scores the fight for one fighter, another judge scores it for the other fighter, and the third judge scores it a draw.

Officials

Referee: Ensures the safety of fighters, enforces rules, and controls the action in the ring.

Judges: Score the fight based on a 10-point must system, where the winner of each round receives 10 points and the loser receives 9 or fewer.

Ringside Physicians: Monitor fighters’ health and safety, and can stop the fight if a fighter is deemed unable to continue safely.

Commission Representatives: Oversee the event to ensure it meets regulatory standards.

Domestic Competitions

Promotions and Events: Various promotions such as Super Fight League (SFL) organize MMA events in India, following these rules to ensure fair and safe competition.

Training and Development: The growth of MMA in India is supported by numerous gyms and training centers that prepare fighters for national and international competitions.

These rules ensure that women’s MMA in India is conducted fairly, safely, and professionally, promoting the sport’s growth and competitive integrity.