How Long Do MMA Fights Last?

Conor McGregor, of Ireland, is interviewed by Joe Rogan after defeating Denis Siver at UFC Fight Night, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015.
(AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
  • MMA fights can last for 17 minutes or 29 minutes.
  • Three-round fights last up to 17 minutes, while title fights last up to 29 minutes.
  • MMA fights can end in less than 17 or 29 minutes if a fighter can finish their opponent.

The UFC has been championing the growth of mixed martial arts since 1993 when it first held its event. It has become the golden standard of the sport, and most of the top athletes are signed under the Las Vegas-based promotion.

But how long do MMA fights last? How is it different from other combat sports like boxing, wrestling, and Muay Thai? And how can fans maximize their bets at BetMGM’s online sportsbook through round betting? Find out below.

How Long Do MMA Fights Last?

MMA fights can last up to 17 minutes and 29 minutes, depending on the type of fight. Three-round fights only have three rounds, consisting of five minutes per round plus one interval. Meanwhile, main event fights and championship fights have five five-minute rounds with one-minute intervals each round for 29 minutes.

Fights can also end in under 17 or 29 minutes, especially when a fighter gets a finish against their opponent in the middle of the match, either via TKO/KO or submission victory. Fans can earn more profit by placing wagers in MMA betting and predicting the correct round that a match ends.

What Is the Difference Between MMA and Boxing?

MMA is different from boxing in terms of the strikes allowed because fighters in MMA can use their fists, elbows, knees, and legs to inflict damage on opponents, unlike boxing, where punches are the only allowed strikes in the ruleset.

Additionally, MMA fighters can use grappling and submission techniques other than just striking to submit their opponents.

What Is the Difference Between MMA and Wrestling?

Wrestling is a much different sport than MMA because its sole focus is scoring takedowns and putting their opponent’s back down the mat to score points and win matches. On the other hand, MMA is a mix of combat sports, both striking and grappling. Winning methods could be in the form of TKO/KO or submissions.

What Is the Difference Between MMA and Muay Thai?

Like boxing, the difference between MMA and Muay Thai is that the latter is a striking sport where athletes use their fists, knees, elbows, and legs to fight. Meanwhile, MMA combines the striking and grappling arts, and fighters can win via submission.

About the Author

Anatoly Pimentel

Read More @AnatolyPimentel

Anatoly Pimentel is an NBA and MMA writer previously featured in ASEAN Sports, Asian Persuasion MMA, and Overtime Heroics MMA. He graduated from Adamson University with B.A in Communication and is currently a Web Content Writer for BetMGM.

Anatoly Pimentel is an NBA and MMA writer previously featured in ASEAN Sports, Asian Persuasion MMA, and Overtime Heroics MMA. He graduated from Adamson University with B.A in Communication and is currently a Web Content Writer for BetMGM.