CSAC's Andy Foster explains shake-up to MMA scoring criteria, potential for future rule changes

Scoring Shift: Damage Over All in Proposed MMA Rule Change

Andy Foster, executive director of the California State Athletic Commission and a prominent figure in MMA regulation, is pushing for a significant scoring overhaul that would prioritize damage inflicted over other factors. If approved this week at the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports' (ABC) annual conference, the proposed update to the Unified Rules of MMA could create a clearer path for judges to award 10-8 and even 10-7 rounds.

A Focus on Impact

"To get a 10-8 in mixed martial arts is now going to require significant damage," Foster told Uncrowned's "The Ariel Helwani Show." He views the change as bringing MMA scoring closer to boxing's established system. Currently, a knockdown often triggers a 10-8 round in boxing, but not always in MMA.

Foster emphasizes that the new language, if adopted by ABC, will solidify how judges interpret dominant rounds. While 10-8s already account for "damage, domination and duration," damage takes precedence under this proposed system.

"Damage is the No. 1 scoring criteria through effective striking and effective grappling," Foster said. “You've heard these other terms — effective aggressiveness, effective cage control — [but] the only thing that matters is how the techniques, through striking or grappling, impacted the opponent.”

Seeking Consistency and Clarity

The change aims to bring consistency to judges, commentators, and fans alike. The recent featherweight bout between Mohammad Yahya and Steven Nguyen at UFC Abu Dhabi sparked widespread debate. Six knockdowns occurred in the opening round, but all three judges awarded Nguyen a 10-8. Foster believes “It should have been a 10-7 [even] under the current criteria."

He also expressed concern about the fight’s intensity: "I would have hoped that fight would have been stopped after the fifth knockdown," he said. “I'd have had no issues [if it were stopped] after the fourth. For goodness' sakes, he had to have had some assistance back to the corner. There were a lot of places it could have been stopped.”

Despite the criticism, Foster defended referee Jason Herzog, stating that they discussed the match afterward. "He's one of the best referees in the world," Foster said.

Knocking Down Debates: Limit Rule and More

The Yahya-Nguyen fight ignited a discussion about whether MMA should adopt a set knockdown limit, similar to boxing’s “three-knockdown rule.” Foster opposes this approach.

“I'm definitely in disagreement with that,” he said. “The first three knockdowns were not what I’d call significant.” He also cited different cornering cultures between MMA and boxing, suggesting the latter tends to withdraw fighters more frequently.

Pushing for Clarity: 10-10 Rounds and Beyond

Foster emphasizes his desire to minimize 10-10 rounds, believing they hinder scoring consistency. “If you’re watching a fight for five minutes, and you can’t tell me who won that fight, I’ll find another judge,” he warned.

While adding a fourth or fifth judge has been proposed, Foster highlights logistical challenges. He advocates caution against rapid rule changes, pointing out last year's implemented rules, including clarifications on grounded fighters and the legalization of 12-6 elbows, should have been adopted sooner.

Looking Ahead: GFL Fallout and Fighter Pensions

Foster commented on the failed Global Fight League (GFL), which collapsed financially before its inaugural event in California. He prioritized fighter payment security before allowing any new promotion into his jurisdiction. "I'm not going to go into a fight and not be sure the fighters can be paid," he stated.

He also highlighted a unique initiative: boosting California’s fighter retirement fund through the state DMV.

"When we talk about what we want for MMA, I’d like to see more high-level people doing the teaching — whether that’s judges, refs, or corners,” Foster said. “Everyone has a part to play.”