Texas MMA Rules

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Amateur: Texas Amateur MMA Rules

• Rounds and round length Depends on authority The number and length of rounds are set by the registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single statewide value for this rule.
• Rest between rounds Depends on authority Rest between rounds is set by the registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single statewide value for this rule.
• Elbow strikes Depends on authority Whether elbow strikes are allowed, and to which targets, is set by the registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single 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 registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single statewide value for this rule.
• Linear kicks to the knee Depends on authority Whether kicks to the knee are allowed is set by the registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single statewide value for this rule.
• Foot stomps Depends on authority Whether foot stomps are allowed is set by the registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single statewide value for this rule.
• Stomping a grounded opponent Depends on authority Rules on stomping a grounded opponent are set by the registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single 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 registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single 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 registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single 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 registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single statewide value for this rule.
• Headbutts Depends on authority Rules on headbutts are set by the registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single statewide value for this rule.
• Groin attacks Depends on authority Rules on groin attacks are set by the registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single statewide value for this rule.
• Throat strikes Depends on authority Rules on throat strikes are set by the registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single 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 registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single statewide value for this rule.
• Eye gouging Depends on authority Rules on eye gouging are set by the registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single 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 registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single statewide value for this rule.
• Biting and spitting Depends on authority Rules on biting and spitting are set by the registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single statewide value for this rule.
• Hair pulling Depends on authority Rules on hair pulling are set by the registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single statewide value for this rule.
• Clawing and pinching Depends on authority Rules on clawing, pinching, and twisting the flesh are set by the registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single statewide value for this rule.
• Small-joint manipulation Depends on authority Rules on small-joint manipulation are set by the registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single 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 registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single 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 registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single statewide value for this rule.
• Stalling and timidity Depends on authority Rules on stalling and timidity are set by the registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single statewide value for this rule.
• Foul penalties Depends on authority Foul penalties, including point deductions and disqualification, are set by the registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single statewide value for this rule.
• Gloves Depends on authority Glove type and weight are set by the registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the association's TDLR-approved rules (16 TAC §61.48(h)(9)-(10)). §61.48(h)(8) also requires the association to follow the chapter's equipment and glove rules for the type of event; how that applies to amateur MMA should be confirmed with TDLR.
• Mouthpiece Depends on authority Mouthpiece requirements are set by the registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the association's TDLR-approved rules (16 TAC §61.48(h)(9)-(10)). §61.48(h)(8) also requires the association to follow the chapter's equipment and glove rules for the type of event; how that applies to amateur MMA should be confirmed with TDLR.
• Groin protection and attire Depends on authority Groin protection and attire requirements are set by the registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the association's TDLR-approved rules (16 TAC §61.48(h)(9)-(10)). §61.48(h)(8) also requires the association to follow the chapter's equipment and glove rules for the type of event; how that applies to amateur MMA should be confirmed with TDLR.
• Headgear Depends on authority Whether headgear is required is set by the registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the association's TDLR-approved rules (16 TAC §61.48(h)(9)-(10)). §61.48(h)(8) also requires the association to follow the chapter's equipment and glove rules for the type of event; how that applies to amateur MMA should be confirmed with TDLR.
• Shin guards Depends on authority Whether shin guards are required is set by the registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the association's TDLR-approved rules (16 TAC §61.48(h)(9)-(10)). §61.48(h)(8) also requires the association to follow the chapter's equipment and glove rules for the type of event; how that applies to amateur MMA should be confirmed with TDLR.
• Scoring Depends on authority The scoring system is set by the registered amateur association's TDLR-approved rules. Set by the registered amateur combative sports association's TDLR-approved rules; an association may adopt the state's MMA rules or file its own (Occ. Code §2052.117(c); 16 TAC §61.48(b)-(c)). Texas has no single statewide value for this rule.

Professional: Texas Professional MMA Rules

Effective December 1, 2007

• Rounds and round length Conditional Rounds are at least three minutes. A non-title bout may total no more than 15 minutes, with no overtime; a title bout no more than 25 minutes. The rules set total fight time and a minimum round length rather than a fixed number of rounds.
• Rest between rounds Required Fighters get one minute of rest between rounds.
• Elbow strikes Conditional Elbow strikes are allowed except striking downward with the point of the elbow, which is a foul. Texas's MMA rule, unchanged since December 1, 2007, still lists the downward 12-to-6 elbow as a foul. Elbows to the spine or back of the head are also fouls.
• Twisting leg submissions Unclear Texas's MMA rule does not mention heel hooks or other twisting leg submissions. Texas's MMA rule neither lists it as a foul nor permits it, and Texas does not incorporate the ABC Unified Rules. Confirm with TDLR.
• Linear kicks to the knee Unclear Texas's MMA rule does not mention kicks to the knee. Texas's MMA rule neither lists it as a foul nor permits it, and Texas does not incorporate the ABC Unified Rules. Confirm with TDLR.
• Foot stomps Unclear Texas lists stomping a grounded opponent as a foul but does not address stomping the feet of a standing opponent. Texas's MMA rule neither lists it as a foul nor permits it, and Texas does not incorporate the ABC Unified Rules. Confirm with TDLR.
• Stomping a grounded opponent Prohibited Stomping a grounded opponent is a foul. Texas's rules do not define when an opponent is grounded.
• 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. Texas's rules do not define when an opponent is grounded.
• Knees and kicks to a standing opponent's head Unclear Texas lists knees and kicks to the head of a grounded opponent as fouls but does not address a standing opponent, and does not define grounded. Texas's MMA rule neither lists it as a foul nor permits it, and Texas does not incorporate the ABC Unified Rules. Confirm with TDLR.
• Headbutts Prohibited Headbutts are a foul.
• Groin attacks Prohibited Kicks, punches, or any strikes to the groin are fouls.
• Throat strikes Prohibited Striking or grabbing the throat area, and grabbing the trachea, are fouls.
• Heel kicks to the kidney Prohibited Kicking to the kidney with the heel is a foul.
• Grabbing the clavicle Prohibited Grabbing the clavicle is a foul.
• Eye gouging Prohibited Eye gouging of any kind 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 Spitting and biting 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 the fence or ropes, holding an opponent's shorts or gloves, and pushing or throwing an opponent out of the fight area are fouls. In a ring, a fighter may use the ropes once per round; a second rope grab counts as a submission, and intentionally escaping the fighting area results in a rope call.
• Stalling and timidity Prohibited Timidity is a foul, including avoiding contact, dropping the mouthpiece on purpose or repeatedly, and faking an injury.
• Foul penalties Required A foul may result in a point deduction or disqualification, at the referee's discretion. The referee stops the action and tells the judges how many points to deduct. An accidental foul injury that ends the bout in the first four rounds is a no decision; later, the completed rounds are scored. A contestant who commits a foul may also face administrative sanctions.
• Gloves Conditional Gloves are optional. Fighters who wear them use fingerless gloves of at least 4 oz, supplied by the promoter and approved by the Executive Director. Gloved fighters compete only against gloved fighters, and ungloved against ungloved. Ungloved fighters may punch and palm-strike only to the body and may tape only their wrists.
• Mouthpiece Required Every fighter must wear a fitted mouthpiece. If the mouthpiece is spit out, the referee may charge a foul.
• Groin protection and attire Required Male fighters wear a plastic foul-proof groin protector and no shirt. Female fighters wear a plastic pelvic guard and may wear a breast protector. Fighters wear shorts, trunks, a wrestling singlet, or a gi, and no shoes; knee braces without metal are allowed. No jewelry. The rules do not address headgear or shin guards.
• Scoring Required Judges score each round on the 10-point must system, evaluating effective striking, effective grappling, fighting area control, and effective aggressiveness and defense.

Official sources

• 16 Texas Administrative Code chapter 61 — Combative Sports (Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation (published by the Texas Secretary of State))
• Texas Occupations Code chapter 2052 — Combative Sports (Texas Legislature)

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

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