Two MMA rules could change this summer

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.