For UFC first-timers, the experience of watching a UFC event can feel like walking into a new universe with its own language. Striking vs. grappling. Submissions. Fight scoring. And what exactly is a “rear-naked choke,” anyway?
That’s why this guide exists: to give you a detailed view of UFC and mixed martial arts (or MMA). This is a primer built to help you enjoy UFC in the new era where, in the U.S., all UFC numbered events and all UFC Fight Nights stream live and on demand in one place – on Paramount+, with no pay-per-view.
Stay up to date on all upcoming UFC events by checking out our 2026 UFC schedule and 2027 UFC schedule.
1. UFC vs. MMA: What’s the difference?
MMA is the sport: a hybrid combat discipline that mixes striking and grappling, with techniques drawn from wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, kickboxing, taekwondo, and more.
UFC is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, bringing together the world’s top MMA fighters in title matches (as seen on UFC numbered events), weekly fight cards (as seen on UFC Fight Night events), and more.
2. The basic rules of UFC, in plain English
UFC fights operate under the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts. Here’s the fast-track summary:
Legal moves
- Punches, kicks, elbows, knees
- Takedowns and grappling
- Submissions (chokes, joint, locks)
Fouls
- Eye pokes
- Groin strikes
- Headbutts
- Strikes to the back of the head or spine
- Kicking or kneeing a grounded opponent in the head
A UFC fight card can feature more than 10 standard UFC bouts, and is headlined by a main event, which can be either a title (with a UFC championship on the line) or non-title bout. A standard UFC bout consists of up to three five-minute rounds. Title fights and main events can go up to five five-minute rounds.
What gear do UFC fighters wear?
UFC fighters wear 4-ounce gloves, shorts, a mouthguard, and sometimes ankle supports. No shoes, no headgear.
3. How UFC fights are scored (plus some common myths)
How are UFC fights scored, you ask? Fights are scored round-by-round under the 10-Point Must system. This means 10 points must be awarded to the winner of each round. The other fighter in each round can get no more than nine points. Points may be deducted at the referee’s discretion due to fouls that occur during the fight.
So, how does a fighter win a round?
Judges prioritize performance elements in this order:
- Effective striking and grappling
- Aggression
- Octagon control
What that means:
- Damage matters most. A clean punch that rocks an opponent beats five light jabs.
- A takedown only counts if you do something with it. Control without offense doesn’t bank points.
- Walking forward doesn’t equal winning. The forward fighter must also be effective.
So, if a fighter gets taken down but threatens multiple submissions or lands heavier strikes overall? They will likely win that round.
4. Ways a UFC fight can end
A UFC fight can end in one of several ways:
- Knockout (or “KO”)
- Technical Knockout (or “TKO”) – When a fighter can’t intelligently defend themselves, leading to a referee stoppage
- Submission – Tap-out or verbal
- Doctor stoppage – Medical call to end a fight due to injury
- No contest – Accidental foul or medical issue
- Decision:
- Unanimous (all judges agree)
- Split (two judges one way, one judge the other)
- Majority (two judges choose a winner, one calls draw)
- Draw – They’re rare, but they happen.
How long is a UFC event?
A typical UFC event can be between three to six hours, depending on prelims and main card length. Main-event bouts go a max of five rounds; undercard fights are typically scheduled for three rounds.
5. UFC weight classes
As in other combat sports, UFC fighters compete in separate weight classes, appropriate to their body’s size and power advantages. Men’s weight classes range from Flyweight (125 lbs) to Heavyweight (265 lbs), while women’s weight classes range from Strawweight (115 lbs) to Featherweight (145 lbs). While UFC shares certain weight class names with boxing, these specific weight classes are unique to UFC.
Here’s a look at the weight classes at a glance, from lightest to heaviest:
UFC men’s weight classes
- Flyweight (125 lbs)
- Bantamweight (135 lbs)
- Featherweight (145 lbs)
- Lightweight (155 lbs)
- Welterweight (170 lbs)
- Middleweight (185 lbs)
- Light Heavyweight (205 lbs)
- Heavyweight (265 lbs)
UFC women’s weight classes
- Strawweight (115 lbs)
- Flyweight (125 lbs)
- Bantamweight (135 lbs)
6. UFC titles, rankings, and matchmaking
Let’s take a look at titles, rankings, and matchmaking. Titles mean one thing: You’re the top of the division. But how do fighters earn those shots? That’s the business and art of UFC matchmaking.
- Contender rankings help determine who’s next in line for title bouts.
- Interim titles can be created if a champion is inactive.
- Title eliminators are fights where the winner usually earns a championship shot.
7. How to watch UFC
The answer to “How to watch UFC?” is simple if you’re in the U.S.: It’s Paramount+. The UFC on Paramount+ era, which started this year, means all UFC numbered events and all UFC Fight Nights stream live and on demand on Paramount+. The cost to watch all the action is the cost of a Paramount+ subscription, any plan (monthly or annual).
Additionally, select UFC events are simulcast on CBS. The bottom line for fight fans: In the U.S., the pay-per-view era is dead; the streaming era is here.
UFC on Paramount+
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