The following acts constitute fouls in a contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts, the details of which default to the Association of Boxing Commissions' Unified Rules of MMA "FOULS":
- (1) Butting with the head.
- (2) Eye gouging of any kind.
- (3) Biting.
- (4) Hair pulling.
- (5) Fishhooking.
- (6) Groin attacks of any kind.
- (7) Putting a finger into any orifice or into any cut or laceration on an opponent.
- (8) Small joint manipulation.
- (9) Striking to the spine or the back of the head.
- (10) Striking downward using the point of the elbow.
- (11) Throat strikes of any kind, including, without limitation, grabbing the trachea.
- (12) Clawing, pinching or twisting the flesh.
- (13) Kicking the head of a grounded opponent.
- (14) Kneeing the head of a grounded opponent.
- (15) Stomping a grounded opponent.
- (16) Spiking an opponent to the canvas on his head or neck.
- (17) Throwing an opponent out of the ring or fenced area.
- (18) Holding the shorts or gloves of an opponent.
- (19) Spitting at an opponent.
- (20) Engaging in any unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to an opponent.
- (21) Holding the ropes or the fence.
- (22) Using abusive language in the ring or fenced area.
- (23) Attacking an opponent on or during the break.
- (24) Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee.
- (25) Attacking an opponent after the bell has sounded the end of the period of unarmed combat.
- (26) Flagrantly disregarding the instructions of the referee.
- (27) Timidity, including, without limitation, avoiding contact with an opponent, intentionally or consistently dropping the mouthpiece or faking an injury.
- (28) Interference by the corner.
(29) For amateur contests only:
- (a) Elbowing;
- (b) Kneeing to the head while standing; and
- (c) Heel hooks.