Two MMA Rules Could Change This Summer

Potential updates to vomiting and intentional/accidental fouls on the agenda for ABC Conference

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:40pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract MMA fight, with sharp, overlapping planes of vivid colors like deep blue, fiery red, and bold yellow, conveying the dynamic energy and complex decision-making of officiating the sport.Proposed rule changes could give MMA referees more discretion to interpret and respond to in-fight fouls.Today in Orlando

The 2026 ABC Conference, taking place August 3-5 in Orlando, Florida, has two notable rule changes under consideration for the Unified Rules of MMA. The first potential change aims to clarify language around vomiting during a fight, while the second would shift referee discretion on classifying fouls as intentional or accidental.

Why it matters

These rule changes could have a significant impact on how MMA fights are officiated, potentially reducing ambiguity around certain in-fight situations and giving referees more flexibility in their decision-making process.

The details

The first proposed change focuses on the rule around vomiting, which currently calls for disqualification if a fighter vomits during a round. However, a recent incident at UFC 326 raised questions about how to handle vomiting caused by a foul versus vomiting from a legal strike. More explicit language could help differentiate these scenarios. The second potential change would shift the use of 'intentional' and 'accidental' when it comes to referee discretion on fouls. Rather than a strict disqualification for intentional fouls and no contest for accidental ones, referees could have more flexibility to deem a fight a disqualification, no contest, or bring it to a judges' decision with or without a point deduction, based on the specific circumstances.

  • The 2026 ABC Conference is scheduled for August 3-5 in Orlando, Florida.
  • The proposed rule changes will be up for a vote at the conference.

The players

Andy Foster

Executive director of the California State Athletic Commission and member of the ABC's Rules and Regulations committee.

Herb Dean

Veteran MMA referee who has officiated numerous high-profile fights.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Herb Dean, MMA Referee

“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.”

— Andy Foster, California State Athletic Commission Executive Director

What’s next

If the proposed rule changes are approved at the 2026 ABC Conference, MMA commissions across the United States will begin implementing the new guidelines in the months that follow.

The takeaway

These potential rule updates aim to provide more clarity and flexibility for MMA referees, reducing ambiguity around certain in-fight situations and giving them more discretion to make decisions that align with the specific circumstances. The changes could have a meaningful impact on how MMA bouts are officiated going forward.