Recent data revealed that finish rates for both male and female fighters have plummeted to their lowest levels in the past decade, as UFC 307 approaches.
One undeniable truth that the MMA community can unanimously agree on is their collective passion for fights that don't go the distance. Whether it's a jaw-dropping knockout or a bone-crushing, suffocating submission, fans crave a decisive finish.
Nobody typically enjoys watching a bout drag on to a decision, especially when both fighters fail to deliver action throughout the contest. Finishes not only make the fight more exciting but also test the opponent's resilience on a whole new level.
However, according to recent findings by data scientist Nate Latshaw, the UFC has witnessed a sporadic decline in finish rates within the men's division over the years. Meanwhile, female fighters have faced increasing difficulty in securing finishes, struggling to end bouts before they reach the judges' scorecards.
Decline In UFC Finish Rates As Light Heavyweight & Flyweight Show Extreme Variability
As per Latshaw's data, the overall finish rate for all UFC weight classes dropped to 44% in 2024, marking the lowest point in the past 10 years. Men's divisions saw a decrease to 48%, while women's divisions experienced a significant drop to 27%. These trends indicate a mix of gradual declines and inconsistencies in finish rates.
In 2024, the men’s flyweight division had a finish rate of 42%, compared to its lowest rate of 22% in 2016. Meanwhile, the women’s 125-pound division had a finish rate of 18% in 2024, a stark contrast to its unprecedented 100% finish rate in 2016.
Conversely, the women’s 125-pound category saw its lowest finish rate of 18% in 2024. The light heavyweight division reached a peak finish rate of 71% in 2022, highlighting some divisions' resilience.