MMA Lab
Data-driven research on how fights are really won. Every study is grounded in real bout data and peer-reviewed sport science — no hot takes.
What Is a Grounded Fighter in UFC? Current Rule Explained
What is a grounded fighter in UFC? See when hands, knees, elbows, or feet count, which head strikes are illegal, and why local rules can differ.
Are UFC Fights Getting Longer? What 1,735 Bouts Show
Are UFC fights getting longer? A 1,735-bout study compares fight duration, KO/TKO rates and decision trends across 2003-04, 2013-14 and 2023-24.
How Often Do UFC Champions Win Title Defenses? What Data Says
How often do UFC champions win title defenses? Two verified audits put belt retention near 71%, with yearly swings, record leaders and clear data limits.
Do Heavier UFC Fighters Get More Knockouts? What Data Says
UFC knockout rates by weight class rise sharply with size. An 8,591-bout study shows the pattern, what may cause it, and what it cannot predict.
UFC Takedown Trends: Are Fighters Wrestling Less Now?
UFC takedown trends across 8,461 bouts show men's successful takedowns per minute falling since 1997, with no clear trend in the women's sample.
What Counts as a Knockdown in UFC Stats? A Clear Guide
What counts as a UFC knockdown? Learn how UFC Stats records knockdowns, why disputed falls differ, and how KDs affect judging without guaranteeing 10-8.
What Does SLpM Mean in UFC? Striking Pace Explained
What does SLpM mean in UFC stats? Learn the formula, current benchmarks, how to compare SApM, and why a high striking rate does not guarantee wins.
Do UFC Win Streaks Predict the Next Fight? What the Data Says
Do UFC win streaks predict the next fight? An audit of 11,886 records, official UFC data and Gamrot–Salkilld reveal momentum’s limits in context.
Most Common UFC Injuries: What Medical Research Shows
The most common UFC injuries affect the head and face, especially cuts. See evidence from 285 UFC fights, a meta-analysis, and the key data limits.
Does a UFC Knockout Loss Make the Next KO More Likely?
Does a UFC knockout loss make another KO more likely? A 705-fighter study finds a 22.7% repeat rate, with medical and data limits explained.
How Often Do UFC Fights End in a Draw? 8,954-Fight Data
How often do UFC fights end in a draw? About 0.7% do. See why records show 64 or 65 draws, plus division rates, scorecard rules, title effects and data limits.
UFC Disqualification Rate: How Often Do Fights End by DQ?
The UFC disqualification rate is 23 DQs in 8,954 fights. See the rules, era splits, and cases involving Jon Jones, Petr Yan, and Aljamain Sterling.