Gladiator Elite Cage Fighting
Rules and General Information
Weight Classes
·
Bantamweight - over 125 lbs. to 135 lbs.
Bantamweight - over 125 lbs. to 135 lbs.·Featherweight - over 135 lbs. to 145 lbs.
Featherweight - over 135 lbs. to 145 lbs.·Lightweight - over 145 lbs. to 155 lbs.
Lightweight - over 145 lbs. to 155 lbs.·Welterweight - over 155 lbs. to 170 lbs.
Welterweight - over 155 lbs. to 170 lbs.·Middleweight - over 170 lbs. to 185 lbs.
Middleweight - over 170 lbs. to 185 lbs.·Light Heavyweight - over 185 lbs. to 205 lbs.
Light Heavyweight - over 185 lbs. to 205 lbs.·Heavyweight - over 205 lbs. to 225 lbs.
Heavyweight - over 205 lbs. to 225 lbs.·Super Heavyweight - over 225 lbs.
Super Heavyweight - over 225 lbs.* Amateurs will be permitted to compete at a weight of three (3) pounds over the listed maximum.
* Professionals will be permitted to compete at a weight of one (1) pound over the listed maximum.
* No weight allowance is permitted for title bouts, amateur or professional.
* Gladiator Elite does allow “Catch Weight” bouts.
Bout Duration
·Amateur bouts shall consist of three 3-minute rounds
Amateur bouts shall consist of three 3-minute rounds·Professional bouts shall consist of three 5-minute rounds
Professional bouts shall consist of three 5-minute rounds·A one-minute rest period will occur between each round
A one-minute rest period will occur between each roundStopping a Fight
·The referee and or fight doctor are the only individuals authorized to stop a bout.
The referee and or fight doctor are the only individuals authorized to stop a bout.·A fighter’s corner can stop a bout by throwing in a towel.
A fighter’s corner can stop a bout by throwing in a towel.Fouls
1. Butting with the head
2. Eye gouging of any kind
3. Biting
4. Hair pulling
5. Fish hooking
6. Groin attacks of any kind
7. Putting a finger into any orifice or into any cut or laceration on an opponent
8. Small joint manipulation
9. Intentionally striking to the spine, top, or back of the head
10. Head strikes with the point of the elbow from "12 O' Clock to 6 O' Clock". This applies to a fighter in any position, including top, bottom, or side mount positions.
11. Throat strikes of any kind, including without limitation, grabbing the trachea
12. Clawing, pinching or twisting the flesh
13. Grabbing the clavicle (collar bone)
14. Kicking the head of a grounded opponent (the soles of both feet must be on the mat for a head kick to be legal)
15. Kneeing the head of a grounded opponent (the soles of both feet must be on the mat for a knee strike to the head to be legal)
16. Stomping a grounded opponent
17. Kicking to the kidney with the heel
18. Intentionally spiking an opponent to the canvas on his head or neck
19. Throwing an opponent out of the ring or fenced area
20. Holding the shorts or gloves of an opponent
21. Spitting at an opponent
22. Engaging in an unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to an opponent
23. Grabbing the fence
24. Using abusive language in the fenced area
25. Attacking an opponent on or during the break
26. Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee
27. Attacking an opponent after the round horn has sounded
28. Flagrantly disregarding the instructions of the referee
29. Timidity, including, without limitation, avoiding contact with an opponent, intentionally or consistently dropping the mouthpiece or faking an injury
30. Interference by the corner
31. Jumping, sitting or climbing on any part of the cage before, during, or after a bout will result in immediate disqualification.
32. Removing and intentionally throwing a mouthpiece before, during, or after a bout will result in immediate disqualification.
·If a fighter fouls his opponent during a contest, the referee shall warn and may penalize the offending fighter by deducting point(s) from his score or immediately disqualifying a fighter, whether the foul was intentional or not. The referee may elect to disqualify a fighter for his first foul based on the severity of the foul.
If a fighter fouls his opponent during a contest, the referee shall warn and may penalize the offending fighter by deducting point(s) from his score or immediately disqualifying a fighter, whether the foul was intentional or not. The referee may elect to disqualify a fighter for his first foul based on the severity of the foul.·When the referee determines that it is necessary to deduct point(s) because of a foul, he shall call time and verbally notify the offender as well as the judges of the nature of the foul as well as the deduction of point(s).
When the referee determines that it is necessary to deduct point(s) because of a foul, he shall call time and verbally notify the offender as well as the judges of the nature of the foul as well as the deduction of point(s).·Any point(s) to be deducted for any foul must be deducted at the end of the round in which the foul occurred, and may not be deducted from the score of any subsequent round.
Any point(s) to be deducted for any foul must be deducted at the end of the round in which the foul occurred, and may not be deducted from the score of any subsequent round. Ways To Win
1. Submission by:
·Physical tap out
Physical tap out·Verbal tap out
Verbal tap out ·Corner throwing in the towel
Corner throwing in the towel2. Technical knockout by the referee stopping the contest
3. Judges’ decision via the scorecards, including:
·Unanimous Decision (all judges pick the same fighter as the winner)
Unanimous Decision (all judges pick the same fighter as the winner)·Split Decision (one judge picks one fighter - the other two judges pick the other fighter)
Split Decision (one judge picks one fighter - the other two judges pick the other fighter)·Majority Decision (two judges pick the same fighter as the winner - one judge declares the contest a draw)
Majority Decision (two judges pick the same fighter as the winner - one judge declares the contest a draw) ·Draw: Unanimous Draw, Majority Draw, or Split Draw
Draw: Unanimous Draw, Majority Draw, or Split Draw 4. Technical Decision
5. Technical Draw
6. Disqualification
7. Forfeit
8. No contest
Referee Restart
·If the fight goes to the mat and a fighter or both fighters are not attempting to improve position or finish the fight, the referee may restart the fighters from the standing position.
If the fight goes to the mat and a fighter or both fighters are not attempting to improve position or finish the fight, the referee may restart the fighters from the standing position. Scoring a Bout
·All bouts shall be evaluated and scored by three judges.
All bouts shall be evaluated and scored by three judges.·The 10-Point Must System will be the standard system of scoring a bout. Under the 10-Point Must Scoring System, 10 points must be awarded to the winner of the round and nine points or less must be awarded to the loser, except for an even round, which is scored 10-10.
The 10-Point Must System will be the standard system of scoring a bout. Under the 10-Point Must Scoring System, 10 points must be awarded to the winner of the round and nine points or less must be awarded to the loser, except for an even round, which is scored 10-10.·Judges shall evaluate overall mixed martial arts techniques such as effective striking, effective grappling, control of the fighting area, aggressiveness and defense.
Judges shall evaluate overall mixed martial arts techniques such as effective striking, effective grappling, control of the fighting area, aggressiveness and defense.·Effective striking is judged by determining the total number of legal heavy strikes landed by a fighter.
Effective striking is judged by determining the total number of legal heavy strikes landed by a fighter.·Effective grappling is judged by considering the amount of successful executions of legal takedowns, reversals, and submission attempts. Examples of factors to consider are takedowns, passing the guard to mount or side control position, bottom position fighters using an active, threatening guard, and attempting to execute submissions.
Effective grappling is judged by considering the amount of successful executions of legal takedowns, reversals, and submission attempts. Examples of factors to consider are takedowns, passing the guard to mount or side control position, bottom position fighters using an active, threatening guard, and attempting to execute submissions.·Fighting area control is judged by determining who is dictating the pace, location and position of the bout. Examples of factors to consider are countering a grappler's attempt at takedown by remaining standing and legally striking, taking down an opponent to force a ground fight, creating submission attempts, passing the guard to achieve mount, and creating striking opportunities.
Fighting area control is judged by determining who is dictating the pace, location and position of the bout. Examples of factors to consider are countering a grappler's attempt at takedown by remaining standing and legally striking, taking down an opponent to force a ground fight, creating submission attempts, passing the guard to achieve mount, and creating striking opportunities.·Effective aggressiveness means moving toward the opponent landing a legal strike or achieving a takedown.
Effective aggressiveness means moving toward the opponent landing a legal strike or achieving a takedown.·Effective defense means avoiding being struck, taken down or reversed while countering with offensive attacks.
Effective defense means avoiding being struck, taken down or reversed while countering with offensive attacks.·The following objective scoring criteria shall be utilized by the judges when scoring a round:
The following objective scoring criteria shall be utilized by the judges when scoring a round:1. A round is to be scored as a 10-10 round when both fighters appear to be fighting evenly and neither fighter demonstrates a clear advantage in a round.
2. A round is to be scored as a 10-9 round when a fighter demonstrates a clear advantage in a round.
3. A round is to be scored as a 10-8 round when a fighter overwhelmingly dominates his opponent in a round.
Fighter Unable to Continue Due to Injuries Sustained During Competition
·If an injury sustained during competition is the result of a legal maneuver and is severe enough to terminate a bout, the injured fighter shall lose by technical knockout.
If an injury sustained during competition is the result of a legal maneuver and is severe enough to terminate a bout, the injured fighter shall lose by technical knockout.·If an injury sustained during competition is the result of an intentional foul and is severe enough to terminate a bout, the fighter causing the injury shall lose by disqualification.
If an injury sustained during competition is the result of an intentional foul and is severe enough to terminate a bout, the fighter causing the injury shall lose by disqualification.·If an injury is sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul and the bout is allowed to continue, the referee shall notify the judges to deduct one point from the offending fighter’s score for the round in which the foul was committed.
If an injury is sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul and the bout is allowed to continue, the referee shall notify the judges to deduct one point from the offending fighter’s score for the round in which the foul was committed.·If an injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul causes the injured fighter to be unable to continue at a subsequent point in the contest, the injured fighter shall win by technical decision if he is ahead on the scorecards. If the injured fighter is even or behind on the scorecards at the time of stoppage, the outcome of the bout shall be declared a technical draw.
If an injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul causes the injured fighter to be unable to continue at a subsequent point in the contest, the injured fighter shall win by technical decision if he is ahead on the scorecards. If the injured fighter is even or behind on the scorecards at the time of stoppage, the outcome of the bout shall be declared a technical draw.·If a fighter is injured while attempting to intentionally foul his opponent, the referee shall not take any action and the injury shall be treated in the same manner as an injury produced by a legal strike.
If a fighter is injured while attempting to intentionally foul his opponent, the referee shall not take any action and the injury shall be treated in the same manner as an injury produced by a legal strike.·If an injury sustained during competition is the result of an accidental foul and is severe enough for the referee to stop the bout immediately, the bout shall result in a no contest if:
If an injury sustained during competition is the result of an accidental foul and is severe enough for the referee to stop the bout immediately, the bout shall result in a no contest if:1. The bout is stopped before 2 rounds have been completed for a scheduled three-round bout.
2. The bout is stopped before 3 rounds have been completed for a scheduled five-round bout.
·If an injury sustained during competition is the result of an accidental foul and is severe enough for the referee to stop the bout immediately, the bout shall result in a technical decision awarded to the fighter who is ahead on the scorecards at the time the bout is stopped if:
If an injury sustained during competition is the result of an accidental foul and is severe enough for the referee to stop the bout immediately, the bout shall result in a technical decision awarded to the fighter who is ahead on the scorecards at the time the bout is stopped if:1. The bout is stopped after 2 rounds have been completed for a scheduled three-round bout.
2. The bout is stopped after 3 rounds have been completed for a scheduled five-round bout.
There will be no scoring of an incomplete round. However, if the referee penalizes either fighter, the appropriate point(s) shall be deducted when the final score is calculated.
Fighter Information
Fighters must check in no later than 4:30 p.m. A fighter who does not check in by 4:30 p.m. will be fined 25% of his or her total purse. Fighters may check in and leave the venue, but must return in time for the fighter meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Fighter meetings are not optional. Every fighter must attend fighter meetings as there could be a rule instituted or an important piece of information discussed during the meeting. Any fighter who misses the meeting will be fined 50% of his or her total purse.
Corner Personnel
·Corner personnel must be legitimate, able to apply knowledge to aid the fighter with instruction during the bout, or by tending to cuts and abrasions.
Corner personnel must be legitimate, able to apply knowledge to aid the fighter with instruction during the bout, or by tending to cuts and abrasions.·Each fighter is permitted to have two (2) corner persons cage side during a bout, but there is a maximum of 4 corners per team in the case of multiple fighters from the same team. NO MORE – NO EXCEPTIONS! A fighter may have up to three (3) additional teammates walk to the cage prior to the bout, but non-corner personnel are not permitted to stay cage side during the bout.
Each fighter is permitted to have two (2) corner persons cage side during a bout, but there is a maximum of 4 corners per team in the case of multiple fighters from the same team. NO MORE – NO EXCEPTIONS! A fighter may have up to three (3) additional teammates walk to the cage prior to the bout, but non-corner personnel are not permitted to stay cage side during the bout.·Two chairs shall be located outside the cage near each fighter’s corner for corner personnel. Corner personnel must utilize the seating provided during a bout.
Two chairs shall be located outside the cage near each fighter’s corner for corner personnel. Corner personnel must utilize the seating provided during a bout.·Each fighter is responsible for providing appropriate supplies for corner personnel to treat minor cuts and abrasions. The fight doctor may assist with treatment.
Each fighter is responsible for providing appropriate supplies for corner personnel to treat minor cuts and abrasions. The fight doctor may assist with treatment. Two (2) corner personnel must be finalized by the day prior to the event no later than 7:00 p.m. The two names will be on a printed sheet located at the fighter check in table the day of the show. It is the fighter’s responsibility to check this list upon checking in to ensure the names are correct. If there is a change to be made, fighter must make the change and initial the change. Anyone not listed as a corner will not be permitted to enter the venue without a ticket. Promoter may reject anyone chosen as a corner.
All corner personnel must attend the fighter meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. There will be a roll call to ensure all corners are in attendance. Corners who do not attend the fighter meeting will be permitted to stay backstage with the fighter, but will not be cage side during the bout. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Hand Wrapping and Gloves
·GECF provides gauze, tape, and personnel to wrap fighter's hands. Fighters may choose to have his or her corner/trainer/manager wrap his or her hands. However, ALL HAND WRAPPING must be performed in the designated area or in the presence of the Glove Inspector. NO HAND WRAPPING WILL BE DONE IN THE DRESSING ROOMS WITHOUT THE PRESENCE OF A GECF OR STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE. NO EXCEPTIONS! NO HAND WRAPPING WILL BE DONE OUTSIDE THE VENUE. NO EXCEPTIONS! Fighter who check in with hands already wrapped must remove all wraps and be re-taped according to GECF guidelines. The Glove Inspector will inspect the wraps to ensure adequate but not excessive materials have been used and mark the wraps prior to gloving. After gloves have been placed on the fighter, the wrist straps will be secured with colored tape corresponding to the fighter's corner. This tape is not to be removed unless done in the presence of the Glove Inspector.
GECF provides gauze, tape, and personnel to wrap fighter's hands. Fighters may choose to have his or her corner/trainer/manager wrap his or her hands. However, ALL HAND WRAPPING must be performed in the designated area or in the presence of the Glove Inspector. NO HAND WRAPPING WILL BE DONE IN THE DRESSING ROOMS WITHOUT THE PRESENCE OF A GECF OR STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE. NO EXCEPTIONS! NO HAND WRAPPING WILL BE DONE OUTSIDE THE VENUE. NO EXCEPTIONS! Fighter who check in with hands already wrapped must remove all wraps and be re-taped according to GECF guidelines. The Glove Inspector will inspect the wraps to ensure adequate but not excessive materials have been used and mark the wraps prior to gloving. After gloves have been placed on the fighter, the wrist straps will be secured with colored tape corresponding to the fighter's corner. This tape is not to be removed unless done in the presence of the Glove Inspector.GECF provides gloves for fighter use in competition and must be returned after each bout. Fighters may wear their own gloves, but they must be approved by the Glove Inspector prior to use.Protective Equipment
·All male fighters shall wear a groin protector. The groin protector is subject to approval by the inspector, referee or promoter.
All male fighters shall wear a groin protector. The groin protector is subject to approval by the inspector, referee or promoter.·Female fighters may wear a chest protector during competition. The chest protector is subject to approval by the inspector, referee or promoter.
Female fighters may wear a chest protector during competition. The chest protector is subject to approval by the inspector, referee or promoter.·Female fighters are prohibited from wearing groin protectors.
Female fighters are prohibited from wearing groin protectors.·All fighters are required to wear a mouthpiece during competition. Mouthpieces are subject to examination and approval by the attending fight doctor, referee, or inspector.
All fighters are required to wear a mouthpiece during competition. Mouthpieces are subject to examination and approval by the attending fight doctor, referee, or inspector.Alcohol and Drugs
·Fighters must not be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs before or during a bout. A fighter will be pulled from scheduled bout if deemed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Fighters must not be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs before or during a bout. A fighter will be pulled from scheduled bout if deemed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.·During the pre-fight physical, fighters are required to notify the fight doctor if any prescription medications are being taken.
During the pre-fight physical, fighters are required to notify the fight doctor if any prescription medications are being taken.Fighter Apparel
·Each fighter shall wear clean, undamaged shorts. These may include board shorts, spandex biking shorts, Vale Tudo shorts, or kickboxing shorts. Athletic shorts are also acceptable, but must not have side pockets. All shorts are subject to inspection and approval by the inspector, referee or promoter.
Each fighter shall wear clean, undamaged shorts. These may include board shorts, spandex biking shorts, Vale Tudo shorts, or kickboxing shorts. Athletic shorts are also acceptable, but must not have side pockets. All shorts are subject to inspection and approval by the inspector, referee or promoter.·Fighters are not permitted to wear a gi, shirt (except for females) or shoes during competition. Exceptions may be made at the Promoter's discretion.
Fighters are not permitted to wear a gi, shirt (except for females) or shoes during competition. Exceptions may be made at the Promoter's discretion.Fighter’s Personal Hygiene and Personal Appearance
·Each fighter is expected to be clean and of good personal hygiene.
Each fighter is expected to be clean and of good personal hygiene.·Fighters are permitted to have facial hair. The referee may disqualify a fighter for attempting to utilize facial hair to injure an opponent’s eye.
Fighters are permitted to have facial hair. The referee may disqualify a fighter for attempting to utilize facial hair to injure an opponent’s eye.·A fighter’s hair must be trimmed or tied back in such a manner as not to interfere with the vision of either fighter.
A fighter’s hair must be trimmed or tied back in such a manner as not to interfere with the vision of either fighter.·Facial piercings, body piercings, or body paint are prohibited during competition.
Facial piercings, body piercings, or body paint are prohibited during competition.Bout Agreements
·Each fighter, amateur or professional, is required to sign a bout agreement prior to competing. A signed bout agreement protects the promoter as well as the fighter.
Each fighter, amateur or professional, is required to sign a bout agreement prior to competing. A signed bout agreement protects the promoter as well as the fighter. ·Fighters failing to return a signed bout agreement by the required date will be pulled from that fight card.
Fighters failing to return a signed bout agreement by the required date will be pulled from that fight card.Travel Expenses
·Gladiator Elite is committed to treating fighters with the proper respect and class they deserve, including paying fighter travel expenses such as gas, food, and hotel room(s). Travel expenses will be established prior to the show and will be paid after each show.
Gladiator Elite is committed to treating fighters with the proper respect and class they deserve, including paying fighter travel expenses such as gas, food, and hotel room(s). Travel expenses will be established prior to the show and will be paid after each show.Notes from the Promoter
·Gladiator Elite promotes Mixed Martial Arts with honesty and integrity. I feel that we as MMA fans, fighters, and promoters have a responsibility to educate those unfamiliar with the sport. We all carry the burden of doing our part to help grow a sport that is often misunderstood. Please demonstrate to the fans that you are in fact good sportsmen, not just fighters. There will always be “newbies” watching an event. Make a solid impression on them and do your part to ensure a bright future for MMA. Fight hard, fight clean, and put on a great show for the paying fans.
Gladiator Elite promotes Mixed Martial Arts with honesty and integrity. I feel that we as MMA fans, fighters, and promoters have a responsibility to educate those unfamiliar with the sport. We all carry the burden of doing our part to help grow a sport that is often misunderstood. Please demonstrate to the fans that you are in fact good sportsmen, not just fighters. There will always be “newbies” watching an event. Make a solid impression on them and do your part to ensure a bright future for MMA. Fight hard, fight clean, and put on a great show for the paying fans.