Rules & Regulations

English Mixed Martial Arts Association (EMMAA)

FCC is proud to be a member of the English Mixed Martial Arts Association (EMMAA), the Association working for the development of MMA as a sport discipline in England. As part of EMMAA, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of safety, fairness, and professionalism in the sport.

Our partnership with EMMAA ensures that FCC events adhere to best practices in fighter welfare, regulation, and officiating. By aligning with EMMAA, we provide a platform for athletes to compete under structured, recognized guidelines that support their growth from grassroots to the highest levels of the sport.

Being an EMMAA-sanctioned promotion reinforces our mission to develop and showcase top-tier talent while maintaining integrity and excellence in every event we host.

FCC Event specific fighter
safety protocols

FCC is fully sanctioned under EMMAA (English Mixed Martial Arts Association) regulations, ensuring that all fighters compete in a safe, professional, and well-regulated environment. As part of these regulations, we adhere to the highest standards of fighter safety, medical care, and event officiating.

Fighter Eligibility & Gym Approval

All FCC competitors are trained MMA athletes put forward by reputable and established MMA gyms.
Every fighter is approved by their gym and coaching team before being accepted to compete.

Medical & Safety Standards

FCC provides comprehensive on-site medical care, including:

Two licensed doctors
Three paramedics
A fully equipped ambulance on standby

All fighters must undergo a pre-event medical assessment before competing.
A post-fight medical assessment is conducted to ensure fighter well-being after their bout. Based on a Doctors assessment, the fighter could be issued with a sparing and competition suspension of 30-60 days, depending on their medical needs. The fighter will also be issued with concussion advice and will leave the event with an advice leaflet.

Event Sanctioning & Officiating

EMMAA vets all FCC event cards and competitors before the event goes ahead, ensuring fair matchups and fighter readiness.
All FCC officials, including referees and judges, are independent and fully certified by EMMAA to guarantee impartial and professional officiating.

FCC is committed to upholding the highest standards of safety, fairness, and professionalism in UK MMA. Every event is conducted under strict regulatory oversight to ensure a safe and well-governed competitive environment for all fighters.

FCC and Safe MMA

At FCC, fighter safety is our top priority. That’s why all professional athletes competing on our events are cleared by SAFE MMA, the leading independent medical screening and clearance body for UK mixed martial arts.

SAFE MMA ensures that all professional fighters meet the highest medical and safety standards before stepping into the cage. This includes thorough medical assessments and blood tests, safeguarding the well-being of every athlete.

By adhering to SAFE MMA protocols, FCC reinforces its commitment to fighter health, professionalism, and the integrity of the sport, providing a safe and regulated platform for elite competition

FCC Fighter Code of Conduct

At FCC, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, respect, and sportsmanship in mixed martial arts. All fighters competing at our events must adhere to the following Code of Conduct to ensure a safe, fair, and professional environment for all participants.

1. Professionalism & Respect

Treat all opponents, coaches, officials, staff, and fans with respect at all times.
Refrain from engaging in unsportsmanlike behaviour
Conduct yourself professionally during fight week, weigh-ins, and event day.

2. Compliance with Rules & Regulations

Abide by all FCC and governing body (EMMAA) rules and regulations.
Follow the guidance of referees, officials, and event staff.
Submit all required medicals, licensing, and clearance documents before the deadline.

3. Fighter Safety & Health

Undergo all required medical screenings and obtain SAFE MMA clearance before competing (Applicable for professional fighters ONLY)
Report any injuries or medical concerns to event officials before the fight.
Do not engage in extreme weight-cutting practices that could compromise health and safety.

4. Anti-Doping & Substance Use

FCC has a zero-tolerance policy for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and banned substances.
Alcohol or drug use before or during the event is strictly prohibited.

5. Event Conduct & Sportsmanship

Arrive on time for all scheduled media days, weigh-ins, medical checks, and fight-day commitments.
Enter and exit the cage respectfully, regardless of the fight outcome.
Follow corner team and coaching staff guidelines without violating event protocols.
Avoid altercations or unprofessional behaviour at any FCC-related events or media engagements.

6. Social Media & Public Representation

Represent FCC and the sport of MMA positively on social media and in public.
Avoid posting offensive, discriminatory, or defamatory content about FCC, opponents, or officials.
Promote fights responsibly without inciting violence or inappropriate behaviour.

7. Consequences for Violations

Failure to adhere to this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including:

Fines, suspensions, or removal from the event.
Loss of fight purse or bonuses (where applicable).
Potential bans from future FCC events.

By competing at FCC, all fighters agree to uphold this Code of Conduct and contribute to the integrity and professionalism of the sport.

FCC Rules & Regulations

FCC follows the official Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, ensuring fair, safe, and professionally regulated competition for all fighters. Below is a breakdown of the competition format, judging criteria, and weight classes for both amateur and professional fighters.

FCC Judging Criteria – Prioritizing Damage

FCC follows an updated judging system that prioritizes damage as the most significant factor in scoring rounds, aligning with modern MMA standards. Judges will evaluate fights based on the following key criteria, listed in order of importance:

1. Effective Damage (Primary Scoring Factor)

Striking Damage – Clean, impactful strikes that visibly affect the opponent (e.g., knockdowns, wobbled legs, swelling, cuts).
Grappling Damage – Submission attempts or ground control that cause significant physical impact (e.g., tight chokes, deep joint locks, ground-and-pound that visibly harms the opponent).
Volume alone does NOT outweigh damage – A fighter landing more strikes with no visible effect will lose the round if their opponent lands fewer but more damaging shots.

2. Effective Aggression (Secondary Factor – Used if Damage is Equal)

Moving forward with intent to land significant strikes or secure dominant positions.
Forcing the action and dictating the exchanges.
Simply walking forward without landing effective offense does NOT count as aggression.

3. Octagon Control (Only Considered If Other Factors Are Even)

Who is controlling the fight's pace, positioning, and dictating where the fight takes place (striking range or grappling exchanges).

This factor is only used when there is no clear winner in damage or effective aggression.

Scoring Rounds Under FCC’s Damage-First System

10-9 Round – One fighter clearly wins the round with more effective damage.

10-8 Round – A fighter lands significant damage that seriously impacts their opponent, but the opponent remains somewhat competitive.

10-7 Round – Extreme domination with severe damage where the opponent is barely surviving.

FCC is committed to evolving MMA judging to reward fighters who land the most impactful, fight-changing strikes and grappling exchanges. This damage-first approach ensures fair scoring and more exciting fights for fans and fighters alike!

Competition Format

Amateur MMA Rules

Fight Format

Rounds: 3 x 3-minute rounds (Championship fights: 5 x 3-minute rounds).
Gloves: 6-8oz professional MMA gloves.
Weigh-ins: Fighters are allowed a 1lb allowance for non-title fights.
Title fights: Fighters must weigh exactly at or below the division’s limit.

Striking Rules

Allowed Strikes:

Punches and kicks the head and body while standing.
Punches to the head and body allowed while grounded
Knees to the body allowed while standing and grounded
Spinning backfists and spinning kicks to the head and body.

Banned Strikes & Techniques:

No elbows or forearm strikes to any part of the body.
No knees to the head (standing or on the ground).
No soccer kicks or stomps to a downed opponent.
No elbow strikes.
No striking the back of the head or spine.

Grappling & Ground Rules

Allowed Techniques:

Submissions including chokes, joint locks, and cranks.
Takedowns, slams and wrestling techniques.
Ground-and-pound strikes.

Banned Techniques:

No heel hooks or twisting leg locks (straight ankle locks allowed).
No spiking an opponent on their head or neck.
No small joint manipulation (fingers & toes).

FCC Professional MMA Rules

Fight Format

Rounds: 3 x 5-minute rounds (Championship fights: 5 x 5-minute rounds).
Gloves: 4oz professional MMA gloves.
Weigh-ins: Fighters are allowed a 1lb allowance for non-title fights.
Title fights: Fighters must weigh exactly at or below the division’s limit.

Striking Rules

Allowed Strikes:

Punches, kicks, and knees to the head and body
Spinning attacks (spinning backfists, spinning kicks, etc.).
Elbow strikes in all positions including 12-6

Illegal Strikes & Fouls:

No groin strikes.
No kicks to the head of a grounded opponent
No eye gouging, fish hooking, or grabbing the mouth.
No strikes to the back of the head or spine.
No headbutts.
No biting or spitting.
No grabbing the fence, gloves, or shorts.
No soccer kicks or stomps to a downed opponent.
No throwing an opponent out of the cage.

Grappling & Ground Rules

Allowed Techniques:

Submissions: All chokes, joint locks, and leg locks (including heel hooks).
Takedowns and slams.
Ground-and-pound strikes to the head and body.

Illegal Techniques:

No spiking an opponent on their head or neck.
No small joint manipulation (fingers & toes).
No deliberate disengagement (running away or stalling excessively).

Fight Stoppages & Safety Regulations

Referee Stoppage: If a fighter cannot intelligently defend themselves.
Doctor Stoppage: If an injury prevents safe competition.
TKO via Ground-and-Pound: Fighter is unable to defend against continued strikes.
Submission Tap or Verbal Submission: Fighter must tap or verbally submit to stop the fight.
Corner Stoppage: A fighter’s coach can throw in the towel to stop the fight.

FCC Weight Classes

Division	Weight Limit (lbs)	Weight Limit (kg)
Strawweight	115 lbs	52.2 kg
Flyweight	125 lbs	56.7 kg
Bantamweight	135 lbs	61.2 kg
Featherweight	145 lbs	65.8 kg
Lightweight	155 lbs	70.3 kg
Welterweight	170 lbs	77.1 kg
Middleweight	185 lbs	83.9 kg
Light Heavyweight	205 lbs	93.0 kg
Heavyweight	265 lbs	120.2 kg

Fighters are allowed a 1lb allowance for non-title fights.
Title fights and fights agreed at a catchweight require fighters to weigh in exactly at or below the weight limit

FCC is committed to fair competition, fighter safety, and professional standards at every level. All bouts are officiated under EMMAA regulations and adhere to SAFE MMA medical requirements to ensure the highest standards of fighter welfare.

For more details or inquiries about FCC rules, contact us at: molly@fccmma.com

Weight Cutting & Fighter Safety

At FCC, fighter health and safety are our top priorities. Weight cutting is a common practice in MMA, but when done incorrectly, it can be dangerous and harmful to an athlete’s performance and long-term well-being.

FCC does not provide advice or guidance on weight cutting. We strongly recommend that all fighters consult a qualified nutritionist or weight-cutting professional to ensure they make weight safely and effectively.

Key Considerations for Safe Weight Cutting:

Work with a professional – A specialist can help you cut weight in a controlled, healthy way.
Stay hydrated – Extreme dehydration can lead to serious health risks.
Allow enough time – A safe weight cut should be planned weeks in advance, not last-minute.
Listen to your body – If you experience dizziness, nausea, or severe weakness, seek medical attention immediately.

All FCC fighters must make weight safely and meet medical requirements of pre-fight medical assessment carried out by a doctor. Any fighter deemed medically unfit to compete due to an unsafe weight cut may be removed from the event for their own safety.

For expert guidance, we strongly recommend consulting a licensed nutritionist or weight-cutting specialist before attempting a weight cut.