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.
How Is UFC Striking Defense Calculated? Str. Def Explained
Learn how UFC striking defense is calculated, what Str. Def measures, why SApM changes the picture, and how to compare fighters without misreading the stat.
What Is UFC Control Time? How It Is Counted and Scored
UFC control time explained: learn what CTRL tracks, how control-time percentage works, and why holding position does not automatically win a round.
Contender Series UFC Success Rate: What the Data Shows
What is the Contender Series UFC success rate? See 68.3% roster retention, rising contract totals, four champions and the limits of the data.
Can UFC Faceoffs Predict the Winner? What Data Says
Can UFC faceoffs predict the winner? A 76-bout smile study found a signal, but larger face-perception studies show why staredown reads remain weak.
How Often Do UFC Interim Champions Become Undisputed?
How often do UFC interim champions become undisputed? An audit of 25 resolved reigns finds a 52% conversion rate, with unification fights split 8-8.
Biggest UFC Comeback Wins by Striking Deficit, Ranked
See the biggest UFC comeback wins by significant-strike deficit, led by Derrick Lewis at −82, plus Anderson Silva and what the metric leaves out.
How Often Are UFC Fighters Drug Tested? What Data Shows
How often are UFC fighters drug tested? See 2026 session counts, how unannounced testing works, and why samples, sessions and failed tests differ.
Did the UFC's New Gloves Reduce Knockouts? What Data Says
The UFC’s new-glove knockout rate fell to 22.6% across 252 bouts. See why the drop was clear, but the design still isn’t proven as the cause.
How Often Do UFC Champions Win a Second-Division Title?
The UFC second-division title win rate is 11 wins in 27 bids. See which champions succeeded, why moving up looks better, and where the data falls short.
Do UFC Judges Favor the Previous Round Winner? What Data Says
UFC previous-round judging bias may sway close scores. See what a 4,155-judge-round study, current rules, and famous scorecards actually show.
Do UFC Title Fights Finish More Often? What Data Shows
The UFC title fight finish rate looks higher than non-title bouts, but two extra rounds change the result. See what an 8,591-fight audit shows.
Is UFC More Dangerous Than Boxing? What Injury Data Says
Is UFC more dangerous than boxing? Compare acute injuries, loss of consciousness, concussion events and brain-health data from three real studies.