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Two MMA rules could change this summer
TL;DR
The ABC Conference in August 2026 will discuss potential changes to the Unified Rules of MMA, including clarifying disqualification rules related to vomiting. The proposed changes aim to address ambiguities highlighted by a recent incident during UFC 326.
Key points
- 2026 ABC Conference scheduled for August 3-5 in Orlando
- Proposed changes to the Unified Rules of MMA being discussed
- Clarification of disqualification rules related to vomiting
This summer's ABC Conference has some notable items on the agenda.
The 2026 ABC Conference takes place Aug. 3-5 at Caribe Royal in Orlando after two days of official training courses. Although much will be discussed over the course of the three days, perhaps nothing more immediately impactful than potential changes to the Unified Rules of MMA.
While specific language and proposals are still being worked on, two changes are being heavily discussed that should go up for vote, California State Athletic Commission executive director Andy Foster said Thursday when asked by MMA Junkie. Foster serves on the ABC's Rules and Regulations committee.
The first potential change is clarifying language surrounding "vomiting." The rule, as written, indicates a fighter should be disqualified if he/she vomits during a round. However, an incident at UFC 326 in March raised several questions about the rule and the way it was written. When Xiao Long drilled former UFC champ Cody Garbrandt in the groin, it resulted in vomiting – but after referee Herb Dean called a timeout. Garbrandt was allowed to continue.
Dean told MMA Junkie on Thursday that he felt, without additional written context, the rule is too vague. More explicit language could outline vomit due to a foul (or between rounds due to overexertion) should be handled differently from vomit mid-round due to a legal blow.
The second potential change could prove more commonly impactful. The ABC plans to revisit the use of "intentional" and "accidental" when it comes to referee discretion of fouls. As the rule is written, if the referee thinks a fighter intentionally fouled their opponent, rendering that opponent unable to continue, it's a disqualification. If the foul was accidental, it's a no contest.
However, a shift from these "must" designations could remove some impossible mind-reading, Foster and Dean explained. Rather than use the intentional vs accidental grouping buckets, referees could use their discretion based on the situation, to deem the fight a disqualification, a no contest, or, if past the majority of scorable rounds, bring the fight to a judges' decision with or without a point deduction. This could also combat situations where a fighter may dramatize the effects of a foul to draw a disqualification.
Should changes be made to the language in these two sections of the Unified Rules of MMA, ABC commissions will begin to implement them in the months that follow. Nothing will be final until they are voted in at the annual conference.
Rule changes are one of many things that will be discussed when commission heads and members meet in Orlando. Also on the agenda are guest speakers, medical presentations, committee updates, and more.
The full 2026 ABC Annual Conference agenda can be viewed here (subject to change).
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Two MMA rules could change this summer
Q&A
What are the proposed changes to MMA rules at the ABC Conference?
The proposed changes include clarifying disqualification rules regarding vomiting during a fight.
When and where will the 2026 ABC Conference take place?
The 2026 ABC Conference is scheduled for August 3-5 at Caribe Royal in Orlando.
What incident raised questions about the current MMA vomiting rule?
An incident at UFC 326 involving Cody Garbrandt raised questions when he vomited after being struck in the groin but was allowed to continue fighting.
