Improving MMA judging with consensus scoring: A Statistical analysis of MMA bouts from 2003 to 2023

• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2401.03280
• Publication Date: 2024-01-01
• Authors: Vincent Berthet
• Keywords: Scoring rule

Boxing and MMA have a longstanding issue with judging, as evidenced by frequent controversial decisions. Like boxing, bouts are scored following the 10-Point Must System, which judges score each round individually. In present study, we compare performance of two methods scores aggregation: standard method (aggregation over rounds then judges) an alternative known consensus scoring rounds). For that purpose, conducted statistical analysis 4,129 went to decision between 2003 2023. Our findings indicate yield same result in 97.53% bouts. Noteworthy, this percentage may be underestimated, not always individually; instead, they balance their across rounds. Regarding disagree, outcome aligns more opinion fans (48.96%) than (43.75%). This results from fact can counteract impact incorrect (especially 10-8 score) given judge specific round. From cost-benefit perspective, argue state commissions should consider it avoid decisions while does imply major change judging system.