The impact of new judging criteria on 10-8 scores in MMA

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of changes in judging criteria on 10-8 scores in Zuffa-owned mixed martial arts (MMA) promotions. Utilizing a differences-in-differences framework, the 2017 liberalization of 10-8 scoring criteria in the Unified Rules of MMA is examined across various judge groups. Findings suggest that traveling judges and Nevada judges – those most likely to be at the forefront of the regulatory evolution of the sport – had already liberalized their 10-8 scoring one year prior to the effective date of the new criteria. Other judges appear to have effectively implemented the new criteria since January 2017 with 10-8 probabilities on par with traveling and Nevada judges. The effect of an earlier change in judging criteria is also examined in Nevada. Results suggest the numerous and distributed regulatory agencies involved in the sport of MMA were effective in the implementation of new policies for scoring rounds.