UFC pace of action up over 200% since 90s

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                                UFC pace of action up over 200% since 90s

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The UFC, via FightMetric, tracks significant strikes as all strikes attempted from a standing distance position, plus all power strikes (as opposed to jabs) in the clinch, or on the ground.  It is the common denominator for offensive output by a fighter, and an excellent metric to use as a proxy for overall fighting pace.

Since 2007, UFC fighters average 6.8 significant strikes per minute (SSpM) of fight time. Significant strikes do damage, score knockdowns, set up submissions, or cause referees to jump in for the save.  Significant strikes generally define the action in a fight, and as the analysis shows, fighter output by this metric has changed drastically since the early years of the UFC.

Through the 1990’s, UFC fighters attempted an average of only 2.8 significant strikes per minute.  Averages for UFC fighters then more than doubled to 6.9 SSpM after the sport matured under Fertitta’s Zuffa umbrella.  Modern UFC fighters also score more knockdowns and throw a slightly higher percentage of power strikes than the old guard, further suggesting greater endurance.

10 Best Gas Tanks in the UFC
Duane Ludwig 16.8 SSpM
Chris Cope 15 SSpM
Renan Barao 14.2 SSpM
Sam Stout 14.1 SSpM
Junio dos Santos 13.9 SSpM
Tony Ferguson 13.6 SSpM
Luiz Cane 12.6 SSpM
Dennis Siver 12.3 SSpM
Nick Diaz 12.2 SSpM
Jared Hamman 12.2 SSpM


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There are a lot more lighter weight fighters now compared to then. I wonder if the graph would look different if done for each weight class. Phone Post

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Not so different really when you consider Shamrock vs Severn alone probably cut those significant-strikes-per-minute numbers in half....

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The time it would take to compile this data, even if it isnt accurate is mind boggling.

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hmmm interdasting

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Interesting stuff! Phone Post

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Nexuscrawlers - There are a lot more lighter weight fighters now compared to then. I wonder if the graph would look different if done for each weight class. Phone Post

This is what I came here to say. Sounds like bogus statistic wonkery though I appreciate the effort. The sampling base has changed dramatically by adding the lighter weight classes. With that said I'm sure the rate has risen a bit across the board for each specific weightclass. BJJers and Striker have learned some takedown defense and can now keep the fight standing to strike more often. Phone Post

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Pre unified rules a mistake cost you a fight more often than not.

These days the "down" position is protected (no knees, kicks or stomps, all fight finishers). Average fighter submission defense is WAY up. And staying busy to maintain position/avoid a resets...

Nothing terribly surprising about this IMO, it just boils down to your definition of 'action' (or 'significant strikes' I suppose. Phone Post