UFC Drinking Game Rules: Every Jab, Takedown, and KO is a Reason to Sip!

What's the UFC Drinking Game Rules? 🤔

Fight night! Whether you're a die-hard MMA aficionado or just love the spectacle of the Octagon, watching a UFC card with friends is always a good time. But how do you make it even more interactive and engaging? Enter the UFC Drinking Game! These rules turn every iconic moment – from Bruce Buffer's booming intros to a stunning walk-off KO – into a reason to raise your glass. So, pick your favorite fighter, grab your drinks, and let's get ready to rumble (and sip responsibly!).

What You'll Need 🛠️

To get your UFC Fight Night party started:

A UFC Event to Watch: Live or a replay, main card or prelims – your choice!
Players: 2 or more fight fans.
Drinks: Beer, cocktails, seltzers, or non-alcoholic options for everyone.
A Comfy Viewing Setup: You'll be here for a few hours!

Getting Set Up ⚙️

Tune In: Get the UFC broadcast on your screen.
Stock Up: Make sure everyone has their drinks ready and within reach.
Pick Your Main Event Fighter (Optional but Fun!): Before the first fight of the main card (or the whole event, if you prefer), each player chooses the fighter they believe will win the main event of the evening. This adds a personal stake to the night's biggest bout!
Review the Rules: Go over the drinking rules so everyone knows when to sip, shoot, or finish.

The Drinking Rules: When to Take a Sip (or More!) During the Fights 👊💧

Here’s a common set of rules. Feel free to add your own house rules to customize the experience!

Drink ONCE When: 🍺

Bruce Buffer Announces a Fighter: "IIIIIT'S TIIIIIIME!" (Or his classic fighter intros). One sip for each fighter announced.
The "Tale of the Tape" Graphic Appears: Height, weight, reach – essential info, and a reason for a sip.
You Recognize a Fighter's Walkout Song: "Oh, I love this track!" Take a sip.
The Camera Cuts to a Celebrity in the Crowd: Spot a movie star or famous athlete? Sip.

Drink TWICE When: 🍻🍻

A Fighter Secures a Takedown: Ground game initiated! Two sips.
A Submission Attempt is Locked In: Armbar, guillotine, triangle choke – if it looks tight, two sips for the suspense!
The Horn Sounds to End a Round: Ding ding ding! Two sips as they head to their corners.

Take a SHOT (or a Hefty Gulp) When: 🥃

There's a Knockout (KO) or TKO (Referee Stoppage): Fighter down! A shot (or a significant drink) for the dramatic finish.
A Fighter Wins by Submission: They tapped! A shot for the slick submission victory.

FINISH YOUR DRINK When: 🥂 (Big Moments!)

Your Chosen Main Event Fighter WINS their fight! If you picked the winner of the main event, finish your drink in celebration! (If your fighter loses, maybe just a sad, hefty sip – or finish it if you're feeling bold!).
The Fight is Declared a Draw or a No-Contest: Well, that's unexpected! Everyone finishes their drink for the unusual outcome.

Bonus House Rules (Highly Recommended!) 🔥

Octagon Call-out: If the winning fighter calls out another fighter during their post-fight interview, everyone takes a shot (or a big sip).
Joe Rogan (or Commentator) Bingo:
- Anytime Joe Rogan (or the lead commentator) exclaims, “It's all over!” or “Oh, he's hurt!” – the last person in your group to shout “Cheers!” (or any agreed-upon phrase) takes an extra gulp.
Spinning Stuff: If a fighter successfully lands any flashy spinning attack (spinning backfist, spinning kick, spinning elbow), everybody takes a sip for the athleticism.

Ending the Night 👋

Call it a night when:

The fight card wraps up.
You and your crew decide to "tap out" from the game.
The drinks are running low.

Hydrate, high-five your fellow fight fans, and remember: the only choke you want to experience is from laughing too hard, not from overdoing it.

The Dojo's Take 🍻

A UFC Drinking Game is an awesome way to make fight night even more interactive and communal. It keeps everyone engaged, even during the lulls between explosive action, and adds a personal stake if you've picked fighters. The shared gasps for near-submissions or knockdowns, followed by a collective sip or shot, really builds camaraderie. Just be sure to pace yourselves, especially if it's a long card with lots of finishes!

Drink Responsibly 🙏

Fight nights can be long, and the action can trigger a lot of sips/shots if you're not careful. Always prioritize responsible drinking. Know your limits, have plenty of water and snacks on hand, and ensure everyone is enjoying the fights and the game safely.

Your Questions Answered: FAQ ❓

What if we don't want to do shots? No problem! You can easily substitute "take a shot" rules with "take 3 sips" or "take a hefty gulp" of your regular drink. The goal is participation, not necessarily high alcohol intake.
For "recognizing a walkout song," what if multiple people recognize it? Everyone who recognizes it and calls it out takes a sip! Shared musical taste.
What counts as a "celebrity" in the crowd? This can be subjective and fun to debate! Generally, someone widely recognizable from movies, TV, music, or other sports. If your group agrees they're a celeb, it counts!
Can we add rules for specific fighters or fight styles? Absolutely! For example: "Drink every time Fighter X throws a leg kick," or "Sip if your chosen fighter gets taken down." Customizing rules for specific matchups can make it even more engaging.
What if a fight is really boring with not much action? That's where some of the more general rules (Buffer, Tale of the Tape, end of round) help keep things ticking over. You could also introduce a "boring fight" rule, like "if there are no significant strikes for 1 minute, everyone sips out of boredom."