Top reasons MMA fights get stopped by the referee

Referee as the first line of safety

The referee has one main job to protect the fighters. That means stopping the fight at the right moment, not too early and not too late.

Common reasons for a stoppage

• Knockout or fighter is unconscious
• Technical knockout due to unanswered strikes
• Submission tap or verbal tap
• Doctor stoppage because of a cut or injury
• Disqualification after an illegal technique

Doctor stoppages

Sometimes the cage side doctor will enter the cage to check a cut or an eye injury. If they decide that a fighter cannot safely continue, the fight is stopped and the other fighter wins.

Early and late stoppage debates

Fans often argue about whether a referee was too quick or too slow. This is part of the sport, but it is important to remember that referees must make a decision in real time, without slow motion replays.