BFC Sanctioning Rules

Fight Rules

1. Weigh-in takes place on the same day as the fight.
2. Each round shall consist of 5 x (2) minute duration for the main card, and 3 x (2) minute duration for the under-card, with a one (1) minute rest period between rounds.
3. Fight rules:
  - Closed fist punching only
  - Punching from the belt-line up
  - No back of the head punching
  - No punching after the ref has called ‘break’ or after the bell
  - Referee’s decision is final
4. The referee is the sole arbiter of the bout and is the only person authorised to halt the contest. This rule does not preclude a video or alternative review of a decision in line with the procedures of the relevant regulatory authority if a protest is lodged citing a clear rule breach.
5. A Mandatory Eight (8) Count following knockdowns will be standard practice in every bout.
6. Three (3) judges will evaluate and score all bouts.
7. The standard scoring method for the judges will be a 3-Point Must System.
8. Fans determine who takes home the prize money through the online voting system.
9. Points System
  - Fan vote draw – 1 point each
  - Judges decision draw – 1 point each
  - Fan vote winner – 2 points
  - Judges decision winner – 3 points
  - TKO/KO winner – 6 points
  The fighter with the most points on the night is the official winner of the fight.
10. Every professional fighter must wear a mouthpiece during competition; a round will not commence without one. Should the mouthpiece become dislodged during the contest, the referee will call time and have it replaced at the earliest safe opportunity, without unduly interrupting the action. Points may be deducted if the referee deems that the fighter is deliberately spitting out the mouthpiece.
11. A Three (3) Knockdown Rule is in effect.
12. If a fighter is knocked out of the ring, they will be given a twenty (20) second count. The fighter must not be assisted by spectators or their seconds; any such assistance may result in a points deduction or disqualification at the referee’s sole discretion.
13. No fighter who has been knocked down may be saved by the bell in any round.
14. Should a fighter suffer an injury from a fair blow that is severe enough to end the bout, the injured fighter will lose by TKO.
15. Injuries sustained by fouls:
  - A. Intentional fouls.
    1. Should an intentional foul cause an injury severe enough to immediately halt the bout, the offending fighter will be disqualified.
    2. If an intentional foul results in an injury but the bout continues, the referee will notify the authorities and deduct two (2) points from the offending fighter; such deductions are mandatory.
    3. In cases where an intentional foul causes an injury and the bout proceeds, yet the injury leads to the stoppage of the bout in any round following the fourth (4th), the injured fighter will be declared the winner by TECHNICAL DECISION if they are ahead on the scorecards; otherwise, the bout will be ruled a TECHNICAL DRAW.
    4. If a fighter sustains an injury while deliberately attempting to foul their opponent, the referee will not take any mitigating action, and the injury will be treated as if it were caused by a fair blow.
    5. Should the referee believe that a fighter has behaved in an unsportsmanlike manner, they reserve the right to halt the bout and disqualify that fighter.
  - B. Accidental fouls.
    1. If an accidental foul causes an injury severe enough that the referee stops the bout before four (4) full rounds have been completed, the match will be declared a NO DECISION.
    2. If an accidental foul causes an injury severe enough to stop the bout after four (4) rounds have been completed, a TECHNICAL DECISION will be awarded in favour of the fighter leading on the scorecards at the time of stoppage.
    3. A fighter struck with an accidental low blow must resume fighting after a reasonable interval, but no later than five (5) minutes; failure to do so will result in a loss.

Professional Fighter Outfits: The fighter’s Club is responsible for ensuring that professional fighters are suitably attired and presented in the ring. It is the Club’s duty to ensure that fighters wear appropriate protection.
Fighter Protection Gear:
1. Male Fighters:
  1. Regulation Groin Guards
  2. Two correctly and properly fitting mouthguards
2. Female Fighters:
  1. Optional Breast Protection: It is the responsibility of the professional female fighter and her handler(s) to decide if she uses and wears breast protection gear during the contest
  2. Two correctly and properly fitting mouthguards
Jewellery: No facial or body jewellery is permitted in the ring. All such items must be removed prior to the commencement of the bout.
Regulation Gloves (Professional Bouts): The regulation glove weight is 12oz, provided by the BFC.
Corner Handlers: A fighter’s corner may include up to four (4) handlers at any given time.
Bad Sportsmanship: Fighters or handlers who exhibit unsportsmanlike conduct will receive a warning. Repeated offences may lead to point deductions, disqualification, or ejection from the venue.
Ring Officials: A Fight Supervisor/Commissioner, along with BFC-approved referees, judges, and timekeepers, will oversee all bouts.
Exhibition Bouts: With prior approval, exhibition bouts may be permitted.
Fighter Suspension(s):
1. Knockout: A fighter who sustains a knockout will incur an automatic suspension of one (1) month from all fights and sparring.
2. Technical Knockout (TKO): A TKO does not automatically lead to a suspension; however, medical personnel may impose one if deemed necessary.