Nevada MMA Rules

Nevada Athletic Commission

Amateur: Nevada Amateur MMA Rules

• Rounds and round length Depends on authority The number and length of rounds are set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Rest between rounds Depends on authority Rest between rounds is set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Elbow strikes Depends on authority Whether elbow strikes are allowed, and to which targets, is set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Twisting leg submissions Depends on authority Whether heel hooks and other twisting leg submissions are allowed is set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Linear kicks to the knee Depends on authority Whether kicks to the knee are allowed is set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Foot stomps Depends on authority Whether foot stomps are allowed is set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Stomping a grounded opponent Depends on authority Rules on stomping a grounded opponent are set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Strikes to the back of the head or spine Depends on authority Rules on strikes to the back of the head and spine are set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Kicks and knees to a grounded opponent's head Depends on authority Rules on kicks and knees to a grounded opponent's head, including what counts as grounded, are set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Knees and kicks to a standing opponent's head Depends on authority Whether knees and kicks to a standing opponent's head are allowed is set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Headbutts Depends on authority Rules on headbutts are set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Groin attacks Depends on authority Rules on groin attacks are set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Throat strikes Depends on authority Rules on throat strikes are set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Heel kicks to the kidney Depends on authority Whether heel kicks to the kidney are allowed is set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Eye gouging Depends on authority Rules on eye gouging are set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Fish hooking and fingers in orifices Depends on authority Rules on fish hooking and fingers in orifices are set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Biting and spitting Depends on authority Rules on biting and spitting are set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Hair pulling Depends on authority Rules on hair pulling are set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Clawing and pinching Depends on authority Rules on clawing, pinching, and twisting the flesh are set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Small-joint manipulation Depends on authority Rules on small-joint manipulation are set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Spiking onto the head or neck Depends on authority Rules on spiking an opponent onto the head or neck are set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Grabbing the fence, ropes, shorts, or gloves Depends on authority Rules on grabbing the fence, ropes, shorts, or gloves are set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Stalling and timidity Depends on authority Rules on stalling and timidity are set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Foul penalties Depends on authority Foul penalties, including point deductions and disqualification, are set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Gloves Depends on authority Glove type and weight are set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Mouthpiece Depends on authority Mouthpiece requirements are set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Groin protection and attire Depends on authority Groin protection and attire requirements are set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Headgear Depends on authority Whether headgear is required is set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Shin guards Depends on authority Whether shin guards are required is set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.
• Scoring Depends on authority The scoring system is set by the event's Commission-approved sanctioning organization. Set by the Commission-approved amateur sanctioning organization for the event; its official rules govern the contest (NAC 467.785, 467.792). Nevada has no statewide value for this rule.

Professional: Nevada Professional MMA Rules

Effective November 20, 2024

• Rounds and round length Conditional Non-title bouts are up to three rounds. Title bouts and bouts the Commission treats as special events are up to five rounds. Each round is up to five minutes. These limits apply unless the Commission or the Executive Director approves otherwise.
• Rest between rounds Required Fighters get one minute of rest between rounds.
• Elbow strikes Conditional Elbow strikes are not a listed foul, but elbows to the back of the head, spine, or throat are fouls under those rules. Nevada's current foul list (amended November 20, 2024) does not list downward 12-to-6 elbows. Because Nevada also applies an unnamed version of the ABC Unified Rules (NRUC 1.110(2)), confirm the treatment of 12-to-6 elbows with the Commission.
• Twisting leg submissions Unclear Nevada's MMA foul list does not mention heel hooks or other twisting leg submissions. Nevada's MMA foul list does not address it, and Nevada also applies the ABC Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts without naming a version (NRUC 1.110(2)). Confirm with the Commission.
• Linear kicks to the knee Unclear Nevada's MMA foul list does not mention linear or oblique kicks to the knee. Nevada's MMA foul list does not address it, and Nevada also applies the ABC Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts without naming a version (NRUC 1.110(2)). Confirm with the Commission.
• Foot stomps Allowed Stomping is a foul only against a grounded opponent, so stomping the feet of a standing opponent is not a foul. The stomping foul is expressly limited to a grounded opponent.
• Stomping a grounded opponent Prohibited Stomping a grounded opponent is a foul. A fighter is grounded when any part of their body other than their hands or feet touches the floor.
• Strikes to the back of the head or spine Prohibited Striking the spine or the back of the head is a foul.
• Kicks and knees to a grounded opponent's head Prohibited Kicking or kneeing the head of a grounded opponent is a foul. A fighter is grounded when any part of their body other than their hands or feet touches the floor.
• Knees and kicks to a standing opponent's head Allowed Knees and kicks to the head are fouls only when the opponent is grounded. A fighter is grounded when any part of their body other than their hands or feet touches the floor.
• Headbutts Prohibited Butting with the head is a foul.
• Groin attacks Prohibited Groin attacks of any kind are fouls.
• Throat strikes Prohibited Throat strikes of any kind, including grabbing the trachea, are fouls.
• Heel kicks to the kidney Unclear Nevada's MMA foul list does not include heel kicks to the kidney. Nevada's MMA foul list does not address it, and Nevada also applies the ABC Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts without naming a version (NRUC 1.110(2)). Confirm with the Commission.
• Eye gouging Prohibited Eye gouging of any kind is a foul.
• Fingers outstretched toward the face Prohibited Moving an arm toward an opponent with fingers outstretched toward their face is a foul.
• Fish hooking and fingers in orifices Prohibited Fish hooking, and putting a finger into any orifice, cut, or laceration, are fouls.
• Biting and spitting Prohibited Biting, and spitting at an opponent or the referee, are fouls.
• Hair pulling Prohibited Hair pulling is a foul.
• Clawing and pinching Prohibited Clawing, pinching, or twisting the flesh is a foul.
• Small-joint manipulation Prohibited Small-joint manipulation is a foul.
• Spiking onto the head or neck Prohibited Spiking an opponent to the canvas on their head or neck is a foul.
• Grabbing the fence, ropes, shorts, or gloves Prohibited Holding or grabbing the fence or ropes, and holding an opponent's shorts or gloves, are fouls. Throwing an opponent out of the ring or fenced area is also a foul.
• Stalling and timidity Prohibited Timidity is a foul, including avoiding contact, dropping the mouthpiece on purpose or repeatedly, faking an injury, and intentionally spitting out the mouthpiece. The referee can also stop the bout by technical knockout if a fighter is not actively or earnestly competing.
• Foul penalties Required The referee warns a fighter for every foul and may deduct points or disqualify. The number of points depends on how severe the foul was and its effect. If an intentional foul causes an injury and the bout continues, two points are deducted; if the bout cannot continue, the fouling fighter is disqualified. An accidental foul that ends the bout in the first two rounds of a three-round bout (first three rounds of a longer bout) is a no decision; later, the bout goes to the scorecards.
• Gloves Required Fighters wear gloves of 4 to 8 oz, of a brand and model approved by the Executive Director.
• Mouthpiece Required Every fighter must wear an individually fitted mouthpiece.
• Groin protection and attire Required Male fighters wear groin protection. Female fighters wear a sports bra or a form-fitting rash guard that is sleeveless or has sleeves ending above the elbow. Shoes, foot padding, loose-fitting tops, jewelry, and contact lenses are not allowed. Only soft neoprene knee or ankle sleeves are provided for, with the Executive Director's approval; the rules do not provide for headgear or shin guards, though the Executive Director may allow or prohibit equipment for good cause.
• Scoring Required Judges score each round on the 10-point must system. They look first at effective striking and grappling; only if those are even do they consider effective aggression, and only if still even, cage or ring control. A 10-10 round should be extremely rare.

Official sources

• Nevada Administrative Code chapter 467 — NAC 467.785 (amateur contests) and NAC 467.792 (full-contact martial arts) (Nevada Legislative Counsel Bureau)
• Nevada Rules of Unarmed Combat (NRUC), current as of November 20, 2024 (Nevada Athletic Commission)

Rules can change. Confirm event-specific requirements with the commission or promotion.

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