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Amateur bouts are contested over 3 rounds of 3 minutes each, with a 1-minute rest between rounds. Title and main event bouts may run 5 rounds at the organisers' discretion. A cage side timekeeper signals the start and end of every round.

All fighters must make weight at the official weigh in held the day before or morning of the event. Bouts are matched within standard combat sport weight classes. Missing weight can result in a catchweight bout, fine, or removal from the card at the officials' discretion.

Approved gloves (weight per the sanctioning body), gum shield, and groin protection are compulsory. Amateur MMA bouts also require shin guards where mandated. All gear is inspected by officials before the fighter is cleared to enter the cage.

A bout can end by knockout/technical knockout, submission, referee stoppage, corner stoppage, or the judges' scorecards at the end of regulation. Three cage side judges score each round on a 10-point must system.

Strikes to the back of the head or spine, eye gouging, biting, groin strikes, headbutts, small joint manipulation, and strikes to a downed opponent's head (in amateur rules) are prohibited. Fouls can lead to point deductions or disqualification.

The referee has full authority inside the cage, to pause the action, issue warnings, deduct points, call in the ringside doctor, or stop the bout at any time to protect a fighter. The referee's decision on stoppages is final.

Every fighter must pass a pre fight medical check. After a knockout or TKO loss, a mandatory medical suspension applies before the athlete can compete again, no exceptions. On site medical staff are present for every bout.

Each fighter is allowed a licensed corner. Corners may not enter the cage during a round or interfere with officials. Unsporting conduct by a fighter or corner, before, during, or after a bout, can result in penalties or disqualification.