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.
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.
Striker vs Grappler in UFC: Which Style Wins More?
Striker vs grappler in UFC: four studies show why no honest style win rate exists, and which striking and grappling actions track most with victory.
Do Beards Protect UFC Fighters From Knockouts? What Data Says
Do beards protect UFC fighters from knockouts? A 600-fight study says no, while a sheepskin impact test points to a narrower facial-injury effect.
Can UFC Fighters Return After ACL Surgery? What Data Shows
UFC ACL surgery recovery data shows how often fighters return, how long it takes, and why defensive declines alone do not prove a career is over.
Women's UFC Decision Rate: Do More Fights Reach Judges?
The women’s UFC decision rate is 63.4% across 954 bouts, versus 44.6% for 8,000 men’s bouts. See division splits, finish methods, and data limits.
Does UFC Experience Matter? What 7,306 Fights Show
Does UFC experience matter? Data from 7,306 fights shows a small overall edge, a stronger debutant effect, and a sharp reversal at large gaps.
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.