Last updated: 3 August 2026
Reviewed by Jordan Makin, FA Level 2 Football Coach
UFC non-championship bouts consist of 3 rounds of 5 minutes each with 1 minute of rest between. Championship and main-event bouts are 5×5-minute rounds. Judges score each round using the 10-point must system (adopted from boxing). Rounds can end via KO, TKO, submission or doctor stoppage — otherwise three judges’ scorecards determine the winner. The 5-minute round was standardised in the early UFC to replace unlimited-time bouts.
Key points
- 3×5 min non-championship; 5×5 min championship
- 1-minute rest between rounds
- 10-point must judging system
- Ends via KO, TKO, submission or judges