CombatGames Competition Rules

Disciplines, Divisions & Event Governance

These rules govern participation in CombatGames events and apply to all athletes competing in CombatGames tournaments.

CombatGames operates under its own competition framework known as CombatGames Rules.

Some formats may be inspired by internationally recognized combat sports practices; however, CombatGames disciplines are independently administered and are not governed by any external federation unless explicitly stated by the event organizer.

Participation in a CombatGames event implies full acceptance of these rules.

Core Principles

Respect First

CombatGames events are built on respect between athletes, coaches, referees, and supporters.

Unsportsmanlike conduct, intimidation, or disrespect toward opponents, officials, or staff may result in penalties or disqualification.

Athlete Safety

Athlete safety is the highest priority. Referees and medical staff have full authority to stop a contest if an athlete’s safety is at risk.

Transparency

Competition results, athlete support levels, and purse distribution operate within a transparent framework defined by CombatGames.

Community Support Model

Athletes may receive support through the CombatGames platform. Contributions may form part of the athlete’s purse according to the event rules.

Organizer Authority & Rule Modification

CombatGames reserves the right to modify, adjust, interpret, or replace any rules contained in this document when necessary for operational, safety, or competition reasons.

This includes but is not limited to:

• bout format and round duration

• permitted or restricted techniques

• weight divisions or catchweight agreements

• judging criteria

• matchmaking adjustments

• discipline formats

• safety requirements

The event organizer may introduce discipline variations or rule modifications specific to the event.

These changes may be made without prior notification.

By applying to compete in a CombatGames event, athletes acknowledge that the event organizer holds final authority over rule interpretation, discipline formats, and competition structure.

Discipline 1

CombatGames MMA (Full Rules)

CombatGames MMA is a full mixed martial arts format combining striking, clinch fighting, grappling, and submissions.

Bout Format

Standard bouts

• 3 rounds × 5 minutes

Main events

• 5 rounds × 5 minutes

Rest period

• 1 minute between rounds

Judging system

• 10-point must scoring

Legal Techniques

Standing

• Punches (including spinning backfists)

• Elbows (including spinning elbows)

• Knees

• All kicks (low, body, high)

• Strikes to head, body, and legs

Clinch

• Punches

• Elbows

• Knees

• Trips

• Throws

• Takedowns

Ground Fighting

• Punches

• Elbows

• Knees (subject to referee discretion)

• Ground-and-pound

Submissions include:

• Rear-naked choke

• Guillotine choke

• Armbar

• Kimura

• Triangle choke

• Heel hook

• Kneebar

• Ankle lock

Fouls

The following actions are prohibited:

• eye gouging

• biting

• groin strikes

• headbutts

• strikes to the back of the head

• strikes to the spine

• small joint manipulation

• fence grabbing

• glove grabbing

• hair pulling

Repeated fouls may result in warnings, point deductions, or disqualification.

Ways to Win

• Knockout (KO)

• Technical Knockout (TKO)

• Submission

• Judges decision

• Disqualification

• Doctor stoppage

Discipline 2

CombatGames Striking MMA [Jalandhar, India 29.03.2026]

CombatGames Striking MMA is a hybrid combat format that emphasizes striking exchanges while limiting extended ground grappling and removing submission fighting. The format encourages dynamic stand-up action while still allowing controlled takedowns and short ground engagement.

⸻

Bout Format

Standard Bouts (Non-Title)

• 3 rounds × 3 minutes

Main Events (Title Fights)

• 5 rounds × 3 minutes

Rest Period

• 1 minute rest between rounds

Scoring System

• 10-point must system

Judges score based on:

• effective striking

• aggression

• control

• fight initiative

Start of the Bout

Each fight begins with a traditional martial arts bow to emphasize respect and sportsmanship.

Command sequence:

“Yoi – Otega-ni Rei”

This ceremonial bow represents the CombatGames principle of Respect First before competition begins.

Legal Techniques

Standing

• punches

• elbows

• knees

• kicks (low, middle, high)

• spinning strikes

Clinch

• clinch striking permitted

• knees permitted

• sweeps permitted

• certain upper-body throws permitted

• limited takedowns allowed

Ground Engagement

Ground exchanges are intentionally limited to maintain striking flow.

If a fighter becomes grounded:

• fighters may strike on the ground for a maximum of 5 seconds

• if no clear advancement occurs, the referee will stand the fighters up

Permitted ground actions:

• punches to the body

• punches to the head (subject to referee safety judgment)

• ground-and-pound within the 5-second window

Prohibited Techniques

The following actions are strictly forbidden:

• headbutts

• throat strikes

• dangerous suplex throws

• kicks to the head of a grounded opponent

• knees to the head of a grounded opponent

Additionally prohibited:

• all chokeholds

• all joint locks

• all submission attempts

• heel hooks

• armbars

• kimuras

• triangle chokes

Elbows to the head on the ground are also prohibited.

Ways to Win

A bout may be won by:

• Knockout (KO)

• Technical Knockout (TKO)

• Judges’ Decision

• Disqualification

Referee Authority

The referee may:

• stop the fight for safety

• restart the fighters standing after ground inactivity

• issue warnings

• deduct points

• disqualify a fighter for illegal actions

Referee decisions during the bout are final.

Format Philosophy

CombatGames Striking MMA is designed to:

• encourage dynamic striking exchanges

• prevent prolonged ground stalling

• maintain high fight pace and spectator clarity

• preserve traditional martial arts respect culture

This discipline blends elements of MMA, kickboxing, and traditional martial arts etiquette within a controlled competitive structure.

Discipline 3

CombatGames Grappling MMA

This format emphasizes grappling, wrestling control, and submissions with minimal striking.

Bout Format

Standard bouts

• 3 rounds × 5 minutes

Main events

• 5 rounds × 5 minutes

Rest period

1 minute rest between rounds

Legal Techniques

Wrestling:

• takedowns

• throws

• trips

• positional control

Submissions:

• chokes

• arm locks

• leg locks

• heel hooks

• kneebars

• ankle locks

Neck cranks may be permitted at the discretion of the organizer.

Prohibited

• knockout strikes

• elbows

• knees

• ground-and-pound

• strikes to the head

Ways to Win

• submission

• technical submission

• judges decision based on control and submission attempts

Weight Divisions

Men’s Division

lbs

kg

Flyweight

125

56.7

Bantamweight

135

61.2

Featherweight

145

65.8

Lightweight

155

70.3

Welterweight

170

77.1

Middleweight

185

83.9

Light Heavyweight

205

93.0

Heavyweight

265

120.2

Women’s Divisions

Division

lbs

kg

Strawweight

115

52.2

Flyweight

125

56.7

Bantamweight

135

61.2

Featherweight

145

65.8

Weigh-In

All athletes must complete an official weigh-in prior to competition.

Failure to make weight may result in:

• catchweight bout

• penalty deduction

• bout cancellation

Protective Equipment

Required equipment may include:

• mouthguard

• groin protection

• MMA gloves

• shin guards (where required)

Referee Authority

The referee has full authority to:

• stop the bout

• issue warnings

• deduct points

• disqualify fighters

The referee’s decision during the bout is final.

Medical Supervision

A licensed medical team will supervise the event.

A ringside physician may stop a bout at any time if an athlete’s safety is at risk.

Anti-Doping Policy

The use of performance-enhancing substances is strictly prohibited.

CombatGames reserves the right to:

• conduct random testing

• disqualify athletes

• overturn results if violations are discovered.

Protests & Appeals

If a team wishes to dispute a result:

• a written appeal must be submitted within 30 minutes after the bout

• the CombatGames event committee will review the case

Video review may be used when available.

The committee’s decision is final.

Liability & Risk Acknowledgement

Combat sports involve inherent physical risk.

By applying and participating in a CombatGames event, athletes confirm that they:

• understand the risks of competition

• are medically fit to compete

• release the organizer and platform from liability for injuries sustained during the event.

Media & Content Rights

By participating, athletes agree that CombatGames may:

• record matches

• livestream fights

• publish photos and videos

• distribute event footage for promotion and media coverage.

Athlete Agreement

By submitting an application and participating in a CombatGames event, athletes confirm that they:

• understand and accept these rules

• accept referee and organizer authority

• agree to media publication

• accept all competition outcomes.