1. Effective Striking & Grappling
The primary scoring tier according to the ABC Unified Rules. Heavy impact, knockdowns, and fight-ending damage outweigh mere volume. Successful takedowns with active submission attempts or ground damage take precedence over stagnant control.
2. 10-8 & 10-9 Thresholds
A round is scored 10-9 for close or distinct advantages. A 10-8 round is mandatory when a fighter dominates through damage, duration, and impact (e.g., scoring a near-finish knockdown and dominating top control for over two minutes).
3. Secondary Criteria (Cage Control)
Effective aggressiveness and Octagon control are only factored in if effective striking and grappling are judged 100% equal. Dictating cage positioning and pressuring the opponent against the fence breaks ties.