LAUSR

Abstract This study compared the technical–tactical analysis by time ratios between genders and weight divisions of female mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championships. Eighty-two athletes (G1 = 21 male middleweights, G2 = 14 male lightweights, G3 = 21 female middleweights, G4 = 14 female lightweights), were evaluated using a time–motion and technical–tactical protocol. Four hundred eighty-four males and 205 female MMA rounds were analysed. Time–motion and technical–tactical variables were evaluated according to frequency of attempts and effective strikes, takedowns and submissions, as well as fighting activity time and preparatory of standing and groundwork combat. Comparing groundwork preparatory activity time G1 showed longer times than other groups (35:0 ± 1.8 s; p ≤ .002). For standing fighting activity time, G2 showed longer times than other groups (151.2 ± 72.9 s; p ≤ .001). G2 displayed longer times between actions during standing [p = .003; 1: 32.5 (17.8; 74.8)] and groundwork [p ≤ .003; 1: 30.0 (9.0; 52.0)] than G3. In conclusion, G1 and G2 showed longer groundwork and standing actions than G3 and G4. In standing and groundwork actions, G2 presented longer time between striking actions than G3.