What should be valued most in MMA judging? Supposedly, it’s some mix of striking, grappling and Octagon control, but the definitions seem elusive to fans and losing fighters. (Winning fighters, of course, always find some way to interpret the scorecards.)

MMA fans and writers have many pet solutions for tweaking the judging process. This one attempts to give some idea of what should be valued the most.

1. Working toward finishing the fight – 60%

This includes both grappling and striking. A good solid submission attempt would count roughly the same as a punch or kick that stuns an opponent.

One key difference from what we usually consider in judging: This criterion is not “damage.” That was an old criterion in Pride, and there are two reasons it shouldn’t be considered. First, it’s political self-sabotage — NY lawmaker Bob Reilly brings it up every time anyone asks him why he opposes MMA regulation in his state. Second, it puts undue emphasis on drawing blood, the primary way judges can measure “damage.” If Fighter A lands a stiff body blow and comes close to a guillotine choke, he could still appear to be more “damaged” than Fighter B if Fighter B lands a glancing elbow in the right place.

2. Other effective strikes – 15%

This is where you’d count all the jabs and leg kicks that a fighter would need to accumulate in bunches to finish the fight.

3. Other effective grappling – 15%

If you’re one of the fans complaining that MMA puts too much stock in takedowns, good news — this category is only 15%.

4. Initiating action – 10%

Replaces “Octagon control.” This rewards the fighter who presses the action. Essentially, it serves as a good tiebreaker if two fighters neutralize each other throughout a round.