World Boxing Council Muaythai

The fighters use gloves certified by WBC Muaythai or the local commissioner. Fighters between minimum weight and welterweight use 8 oz gloves, while fighters in weight classes above super welterweight use 10 oz gloves. The gloves are tied with knots, taped, and inspected by a supervisor before the fight.

The fighters wear shorts without shirts or shoes, while female fighters must also wear a top. They must additionally wear a protective cup, a gumshield and are allowed to wear ankle supports. Long hair must be tied, while long beards are allowed if they are religiously significant. Fingernails and toenails must be neatly trimmed. Sacred headbands are to be taken off before the fight itself.[4]

Male fighters contest five rounds of three minutes each, while female fighters contest five rounds of two minutes each. The rest period in between each round is two minutes in length.

Rounds are scored on a 10 points must system. If there is no clear round winner, both fighters earn ten points. If the fighter has won a round he earns a 10-9 point advantage, if he has clearly won the round he earns a 10-8 point advantage, if he managed to knock his opponent down once he earns a 10-7 point advantage, and if he knocked his opponent down twice a 10-6 point advantage. Should a fighter be cautioned for a rule infraction, he may not earn the full ten points.

Fighters win the round if they successfully land strikes with their fists, elbows, knees, shins or feet. The fighter will win the round if he has shown more strike volume, more accurate and powerful strikes, aggression and if he has done more damage to his opponent than he has received.[5]

The fighter may also win the fight by knockout if he has rendered his opponent unable to continue through a successful strike, or through a technical knockout if his opponent has been counted down three times in a single round, or five times throughout the entire fight.

The following acts are considered to rule infractions: biting, spitting, eye-gouging, strikes to the groin, headbutting, sticking out one's tongue at the opponent, judo or wrestling takedowns, continuing to attack a downed opponent, grabbing the ropes, catching the opponents leg and advancing more than two steps without attacking, using illegal substances.