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Road Fighting Championship
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| Sport | Mixed martial arts promotion |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2010 |
| Owner | Mun-Hong Jung |
| President | Dae-Hwan Kim Sang-Min Park |
| Headquarters | Wonju, South Korea |
| Official website | http://www.roadfc.com |
Road Fighting Championship (Road FC; Korean: 로드FC) is a South Korean-based mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion which was officially launched in 2010.[1] Prior to December 2016, Road FC had held 52 events in three countries - South Korea, Japan, and China.[2]
About
[edit]Road FC was established in 2010 to promote the sport of MMA which embodies the Asian spirit of martial arts. Over 300 athletes from South Korea, Brazil, North America, Europe, Japan, China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East have signed agreements with Road FC. Events are being broadcast in more than 50 countries around the world, on dozens of television stations and internet platforms.
Road FC initiated its global strategy in 2015.
Road FC recognizes Asia as the global center of martial arts. In Asia, many combat sports have been born and become world-famous, such as Korea's Olympic sport Taekwondo and China's mammoth national Sanda competition. In the past, Asia was also the global center of MMA and kickboxing, where notable promotions such as Pride and K-1 once drew Asian crowds of 50 to 90 thousand spectators live, and broadcast live around the world. As these organizations subsided, Road FC was launched to take up the mantle in Korea.
History
[edit]Road FC was founded in 2010 by Mun-Hong Jung.[3] It is the largest MMA organization in South Korea following the closure of Spirit MC in 2009,[4] and with expansion into Japan and China, one of the largest in Asia.[5]
The first event, Road FC 001: The Resurrection of Champions, was held on October 23, 2010, in Seoul, South Korea.[6]
In 2012 Road FC organized an amateur MMA competition system to encourage growth, experience, and support for the sport of MMA in Korea.[7] The amateur and semi-pro Central and Into Leagues provide a structured, safe, and competitive atmosphere for beginning fighters. They gain experience before transitioning into professional competition. The Young Guns undercard series features amateurs transitioning into professionals, foreign fighters new to Road FC, and fighters who are trying to make a comeback.
In 2015, Road FC expanded into the Japan market with Road FC 24 in Japan on July 25 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo. Also in 2015, it held its first event with Road FC 27 in China in Shanghai on December 26,[8] starting a 3-year broadcast deal with China's state broadcaster CCTV.[9] The event was the first live MMA event to be aired on CCTV5 and garnered a viewership of 35 million.[10]
On March 11, 2017, the first event Road FC 037 XX of a female MMA league Road FC XX was held at the Convention Centre, Grand Hilton Seoul in Seoul, South Korea. And, On December 23, Road FC's final event of the year 2017, Road FC 045 XX, took place in Seoul, South Korea. Following it, the 2017 Road FC Awards Ceremony was held. It was the first time a year end awards ceremony had been held in conjunction with an event, and the first time to be aired live on television, on MBC Sports+. Incoming CEO Da Hwan Kim was formally introduced after Founder Jung Mun Hong Jung had stepped down from the position on November 29.[11] Kim was one of South Korea's most well-known MMA and combat sports commentators. He was a long-time MMA fighter and coach, and just recently he won the Wardog Middleweight Championship by a stunning KO. Having so much experience in the MMA industry, Kim was a specialist with a very good ability to speak on fighters and matches.[12]
On January 13, 2018, the sports industry in China attracted massive attention with the announcement of the "2018 China Top 100 Most Sponsored Sports Events Award Ceremony" in Beijing. Road FC is proud to rank as the 15th overall "2018 China Top 100 Most Sponsored Sports Event". In 2017, Road FC was first honored with the award as the 65th most sponsored sports event, and the climb of 50 places in 2018 is a remarkable achievement. Among the sponsors who have supported and committed to Road FC are highly recognizable companies and brands such as Xiaomi, Netease, Panda TV, COK, Red Bull, Master Kong Foods, Orion Foods, Zheng Guanzhuang Health, Chang Fujing Health, Pang Da Auto, Jackie Chan Wine, and Lehua Real Estate.[13]
Road FC Events
[edit]Broadcasts
[edit]In South Korea, events are broadcast live and on delay and replay on SPOTV since 2018, the South Korean non-'free-to-air' television network which is well known for its sports broadcasting, and online on YouTube, Daum.
Broadcasters by year
[edit]| # | Duration of broadcasting | broadcaster | Broadcasting team | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commentator | Caster | |||
| 5 | 2018 ~ (Road FC 047 ~ ) | SPOTV | Gyo Deok Lee | Chan Woong Park |
| 4 | 2017 ~ 2018 (Road FC 035 ~ Road FC 046) | MBC Sports+ & MBC Sports+2 | Dong Gi Lee, Chang Wook Cheon | Byung Moon Jeong, Soo Hwan Kim |
| 3 | 2013 ~ 2016 (Road FC 012 ~ Road FC 034) | Super action | Dae Hwan Kim | Soo Hwan Kim |
| 2 | 2011 ~ 2013 (Road FC 002 ~ Road FC 011) | XTM | Dae Hwan Kim | Sang Yong Choi |
| 1 | 2010 (Road FC 001) | K-STAR | Ji Hoon Kim | Seung Heon Seong |
In China, events are broadcast live and on delay and replay on CCTV-5,[14] the predominant state television broadcaster in the People's Republic of China, and online on Yy.com.[15] In Mongolia, events are broadcast live and on delay and replay on MBN.[16] In Japan, events are broadcast live and on delay and replay on Niconico, Tokyo MX, and AbemaTV.[17] In Southeast Asia(Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, etc.), events are broadcast on KIX and SportsFix (Malaysia only).[16] Internationally, events are streamed through Road FC's Official YouTube Channel.[18]
Rules
[edit]Road FC uses the global MMA rule set.
Rounds
[edit]Non-championship bouts are two or three rounds of five minutes per round with one minute breaks in between rounds. Championship bouts are three rounds of five minutes per round with one minute breaks in between rounds.
Judging
[edit]As part of the increasing global expansion strategy, Road FC has created the "Unlimited Points System".[19]
This new judging criterion is merit-based and provide a more accurate account of a fighter's performance than the out-dated "10 point must" system. It reward exciting and aggressive fighters while penalizing those who repeatedly stall or avoid action. The "Unlimited Points System" deliver the kind of non-stop, thrilling action for which fans are now clamoring.[19]
In this system, points be awarded for specific action and activity. One point be given for a clear strike, takedown, near submission, full mont or back mount position, clear control on the ground, and aggression. Five points be awarded for a knock down.[19]
Penalties be assessed by the referee. A yellow card for fouls incur a five-point deduction. A blue card worth a two-point deduction be introduced for the purpose of eliminating stalling and avoidance, standing and on the ground.[19]
Cage
[edit]The Road FC stages bouts in an eight-sided enclosure named "Case".
The Road FC cage is an octagonal structure with walls of metal chain-link fence coated with black vinyl. The standard octagon has a diameter of 9 m (30 ft) with a 1.8 m (5.9 ft) high fence. The cage sits atop a platform, raising it 1.2 m (3.9 ft) from the ground. It has foam padding around the top of the fence and between each of the eight sections. It also has two entry-exit gates opposite each other. The mat, painted with sponsorship logos and art, is replaced for each event.
Attire
[edit]All competitors fight in approved shorts, without shoes. Tops are only approved for female competitors. Required safety equipment include padded gloves, mouthguard, and protective cups held in place.
Match outcome
[edit]Matches may end via:
- Submission: a fighter clearly taps the mat or his opponent, verbally submits, or clearly communicates being in pain (such as by yelling) to a degree that causes the referee to stop the fight. Also, a technical submission may be called when a fighter either loses consciousness or is on the verge of or suffers serious injury while in a hold.
- Knockout: a fighter is put into a state of unconsciousness resulting from any legal strike.
- Technical Knockout (TKO): If the referee decides a fighter cannot continue, the fight is ruled as a technical knockout. Technical knockouts can be classified into three categories:
- referee stoppage (the referee ends the fight because one fighter is deemed unable to intelligently defend himself)
- doctor stoppage (a ring side doctor decides that it is unsafe for one fighter to continue the bout, due to excessive bleeding or physical injuries)
- corner stoppage (a fighter's cornerman signals defeat for his own fighter)
- Judges' Decision: Depending on scoring, a match may end as:
- unanimous decision (all three judges score a win for fighter A)
- majority decision (two judges score a win for fighter A, one judge scores a draw)
- split decision (two judges score a win for fighter A, one judge scores a win for fighter B)
- technical decision (a fighter is rendered unable to continue as a result of an unintentional illegal element or move, resulting in a decision based on the finished and unfinished rounds if the number of rounds to be judged is sufficient)
- unanimous draw (all three judges score a draw)
- majority draw (two judges score a draw, one judge scoring a win)
- split draw (one judge scores a win for fighter A, one judge scores a win for fighter B, and one judge scores a draw)
- technical draw (the bout ends in a manner similar to that of a technical decision, with the judges' scores resulting in a draw)
- Disqualification: a fighter intentionally executes an illegal move that is considered by the referee or opponent to be injurious or significant enough to negatively alter the opponent's performance should the fight continue, resulting in the opponent's victory.
- Forfeit: a fighter fails to compete or intentionally and prematurely ends the bout for a reason besides injury, resulting in the opponent's victory.
- No Contest: a fighter is rendered unable to continue or compete effectively as a result of an unintentional illegal element or move and there is not a sufficient number of finished rounds to be judged to make a technical decision viable, or both fighters are rendered unable to continue or compete effectively. Also, a fight may be ruled a no contest if the original outcome of the bout is changed due to unsatisfactory or illegal circumstances, such as a premature stoppage or a fighter's testing positive for banned substances.
Fouls
[edit]- Biting
- Eye-gouging
- Fish-hooking
- Groin attacks
- Small joint manipulation
- Hair pulling
- Putting a finger into any orifice or into any cut or laceration on an opponent (see Fish-hooking)
- Throat strikes of any kind, including, without limitation, grabbing the trachea
- Clawing, pinching or twisting the flesh
- Intentionally attempting to break an opponent's bone
- Spiking an opponent to the canvas on the head or neck (see Piledriver)
- Throwing an opponent out of the ring or fenced area
- Holding the shorts or gloves of an opponent
- Spitting at an opponent
- Engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to an opponent
- Holding the ropes or the fence
- Using abusive language in the ring or fenced area
- Attacking an opponent on or during the break
- Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee
- Attacking an opponent after the bell (horn) has sounded the end of a round
- Flagrantly disregarding the instructions of the referee
- Timidity, including, without limitation, avoiding contact with an opponent, intentionally or consistently dropping the mouthpiece or faking an injury
- Interference by the corner
- Using any foreign substance that could give an unfair advantage
- Head-butting
- Striking to the spine or the back of the head (see Rabbit punch)
- Attacking with an elbow
Fouls against a grounded opponent
[edit]- Kicking the head of a grounded opponent (see soccer kick)
- Kneeing the head of a grounded opponent
- Stomping a grounded opponent
Weight divisions/Current champions
[edit]Weight divisions
[edit]Road FC currently uses ten different weight classes, and weights allow a weighing scale error of over 0.5 kg (1.1 lb).
| Weight class name | Upper limit | Gender | |
|---|---|---|---|
| in kilograms (kg) | in pounds(lb) | ||
| Atomweight | 48 | 105.8 | Women |
| Strawweight | 52 | 114.6 | Women |
| Flyweight | 57 | 125.7 | Men / Women |
| Bantamweight | 61 | 134.5 | Men / Women |
| Featherweight | 66 | 145.5 | Men / Women |
| Lightweight | 70 | 154.3 | Men |
| Welterweight | 77 | 169.8 | Men |
| Middleweight | 84 | 185.2 | Men |
| Light Heavyweight | 93 | 205 | Men |
| Heavyweight | over 93 | over 205 | Men |
| Openweight | No weight restrictions | Men / Women | |
Current champions
[edit]Road FC has so far produced champions in seven weight classes for men and one weight class for women.
| Division | Gender | Champion | Since | Reign (total) |
Defenses | Next challenger/title fight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atomweight | Women | Vacant | 0 | |||
| Flyweight | Men | Vacant | 0 | |||
| Bantamweight | Men | Vacant | 0 | |||
| Featherweight | Men | 12. 18. 2022 | 1063 | 0 | (TBD) | |
| Lightweight | Men | 07. 23. 2022 | 1211 | 1 | (TBD) | |
| Middleweight | Men | 07. 03. 2021 | 1596 | 0 | (TBD) | |
| Light Heavyweight | Men | 12. 18. 2022 | 1063 | 0 | (TBD) | |
| Openweight | Men | Vacant | 0 |
Production team
[edit]Road FC CEO is former UFC and Road FC Commentator, Dae Hwan Kim, and the Road FC chairman is Road FC founder and former Road FC CEO, Moon Hong Jung.
Matches are made by matchmaker and operations manager, Young Bok Kwon.
The referees is composed of Sang Joon Park (head referee), Seung Yeol Shin, Tae Wook Lim, Deok Young Jang, Chul Kim, Gi Deok Song, Ho Won Jeong, Mi Ri Kwon.
The Broadcasting team for the television broadcast is composed of Dong Gi Lee (commentator), Chang Wook Chun (commentator), Byung Moon Jeong (caster), Soo Hwan Kim (caster).
The Announce team consists of cage announcers Yong Moon Shin, Jeff Houston and the cage side announcer is Lenne Hardt.
Seul Gi Choi, Ji Woo Lim, Eun Hye Lee are the ROAD girls.
Affiliated organizations
[edit]Road FC is affiliated with the following organizations:
Kaiser
ACF
Deep
Gladiator
Grachan
Rings/The Outsider
Wardog Cage Fight
ZST
Superstar Fight
WBK
CMSL
CFK
Invicta FC
Rro FC
Ring Girls
[edit]- Min Seo Gong
- Na Na Kim
- Ha Yool Kim
- Je-i Min
- A-Young Min
- Seung Ji Maeng
- Si Hyun Park
- Jin-A Park
- Ha Park
- Ga Yeon Song
- Hyo Kyung Song
- Serena
- Ke Yang
- Ji Yoon Wang
- Ha Na Yoo
- Seo Hyun Lee
- A-Rin Lee
- Eun Hye Lee (Present)
- Ye Bin Lee
- Ji Woo Lim (Present)
- Ji Hye Lim
- Da Ha Joo
- Bo Mi Chae
- Seol Hwa Chol
- Seul Gi Choi (Present)
- Ji Eun Han
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Road Less Traveled: Korea's Newest MMA Promotion Takes a Different Path". Bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2014-09-13.
- ^ "Road Fighting Championship - RFC (Moon Hong Jung) - MMA Promoter Page". Tapology.com. Retrieved 2017-01-16.
- ^ "Road FC Head Moon Hong Jung Talks Development of Korean and Asian MMA - Bloody Elbow". Bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2014-09-13.
- ^ "(Yonhap Feature) S. Korean MMA promotions eye global presence". English.yonhapnews.co.kr. Retrieved 2017-01-16.
- ^ "MMA and the possible looming battle for Asia ? | FSA - FightSport Asia". Fightsportasia.com. Retrieved 2014-09-13.
- ^ "Road FC 1: The Resurrection of Champions - MMA Event Page". Tapology.com. Retrieved 2017-01-16.
- ^ "Road FC: Into League 1 - MMA Event Page". Tapology.com. Retrieved 2017-01-16.
- ^ "Fighters ready for Road FC 027 in China". Koreatimes.co.kr. 17 December 2015. Retrieved 2017-01-16.
- ^ "Road FC Strategic Cooperation Conference and Launch Ceremony to announce CCTV broadcast, multimedia scheme". Adcombat.com. 25 January 2016. Retrieved 2017-01-16.
- ^ "Road Fc Sets Second China Show In Beijing | Rough". Rough.asia. Retrieved 2017-01-16.
- ^ "ROAD FC". roadfc.com. Retrieved 2018-02-17.
- ^ "ROAD FC". roadfc.com. Retrieved 2018-02-17.
- ^ "ROAD FC". roadfc.com. Retrieved 2018-02-16.
- ^ "Road FC Enters the Chinese Market, Partners with Country's Tech Giants". Fightland.vice.com. Retrieved 2017-01-16.
- ^ "Road FC国际综合格斗大赛". Yy.com. Retrieved 2017-01-16.
- ^ a b "ROAD FC to air on KIX TV starting April 4th - Asia MMA". Asia MMA. 2014-04-04. Retrieved 2018-02-16.
- ^ "ROAD FC". roadfc.com. Retrieved 2018-02-17.
- ^ "Road FC updates: live English commentary, Girl's Day, Openweight Tournament Semifinals". Fightbookmma.com. 31 January 2016. Retrieved 2017-01-16.
- ^ a b c d "ROAD FC scraps 10-point must system, implements 'Unlimited Points System' - FIGHT VIDEO FORUM". fight.mmashare.club. Retrieved 2018-02-16.
External links
[edit]Road Fighting Championship
View on GrokipediaOverview
Description
Road Fighting Championship (Road FC) is a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion headquartered in Wonju, South Korea, founded in 2010 by Mun-Hong Jung as the country's premier organization following the decline of earlier promotions. It features competitions among a diverse roster of fighters from South Korea, Asia, and international regions including Japan, Brazil, China, and the United States, emphasizing high-level bouts that highlight martial arts traditions.[4][5] The promotion's mission centers on fostering talent development, providing growth opportunities for professional and amateur fighters through structured leagues and events, and elevating MMA's prominence in Asia by delivering entertaining, high-stakes spectacles. Road FC has organized over 90 events and approximately 928 matches as of November 2025, across major Korean venues and select international locations, underscoring its scale as Asia's leading MMA league.[5][1][2] To expand its global footprint, Road FC broadcasts events live and on delay in South Korea via SuperAction, in China through Xunlei KanKan, and internationally on platforms like KIX and Epicentre.tv, reaching audiences across multiple countries in Asia and beyond. Strategic partnerships with technology firms, such as Kakao for digital content and market entry into China, have supported its growth in streaming and audience engagement. Under CEO Seo Deok-ho, who succeeded Dae-Hwan Kim in 2021, the organization continues to brand itself as Asia's top MMA pro league, focusing on epic battles and fighter legacies.[5][6][4][7]Founding and leadership
Road Fighting Championship was founded in 2010 by Mun-Hong Jung, a former national kickboxing champion and businessman, in Wonju, South Korea, to address the void left in Asian mixed martial arts following the closure of major promotions like Spirit MC in 2009.[4][8] The organization aimed to revive professional MMA in the region by establishing a platform for high-level competition. Its inaugural event, Road FC 001: The Resurrection of Champions, took place on October 23, 2010, at the Seoul Fashion Center in Seoul, signaling the start of regular professional operations. Mun-Hong Jung served as the original CEO from the promotion's inception through 2017, guiding its early growth and positioning it as South Korea's premier MMA entity.[4] In late 2017, leadership transitioned to Dae-Hwan Kim, a former UFC and Road FC commentator, who succeeded Jung and shifted focus toward digital broadcasting enhancements and international outreach to elevate the promotion's profile across Asia.[9] Kim served until 2021, when Seo Deok-ho became CEO. Under Seo Deok-ho's tenure as of 2025, Road FC has pursued collaborations with global partners, including strategic alliances in emerging markets like the Philippines.[10][11] The organizational structure features a board led by Chairman Mun-Hong Jung, with executive directors such as Kim Geum-Cheon and Kim Sung-Tae overseeing key areas including event production, fighter contracts, and talent scouting.[12] In 2012, Road FC introduced amateur development programs, such as the Central League, to foster grassroots growth and provide pathways for emerging fighters into professional ranks.[13] As of 2025, CEO Seo Deok-ho continues to emphasize sustainability through expanded global partnerships and event innovations, ensuring long-term viability amid evolving MMA landscapes.[14][15]History
Inception and early development
Road Fighting Championship (Road FC) was established in 2010 to address the decline of major combat sports promotions in Asia, particularly following the closures of influential organizations like Pride FC and the reduced activity of K-1, which had left a gap in high-level mixed martial arts (MMA) events in South Korea. The promotion's inaugural event, Road FC 001: The Resurrection of Champions, took place on October 23, 2010, at the Seoul Fashion Center in Seoul, featuring a card of veteran fighters from previous Korean promotions such as Spirit FC, including matchups like Yui Chul Nam versus Kota Okazawa in the main event. This debut emphasized a focus on experienced talent to revive interest in domestic MMA, aligning with founder Moon-Hong Jung's vision for a professional Korean-based league.[16][17][18] From 2010 to 2013, Road FC progressed through its early events, culminating in Road FC 010 on November 24, 2012, in Busan, where the promotion built a competitive roster blending Korean prospects with Japanese imports to foster regional rivalries and talent development. Events were initially concentrated in Seoul venues like the Jangchung Gymnasium, with cards highlighting technical striking and grappling exchanges that appealed to local audiences. By this period, Road FC had hosted 10 events, establishing a foundation for consistent programming amid challenges like securing venues and attracting sponsors in a competitive entertainment market.[19][17] A key development came in 2012 with the introduction of the Road FC Into League, an amateur MMA series designed to create a talent pipeline for the professional roster by scouting and developing emerging fighters through structured regional competitions. Financial hurdles, including high production costs for live events, were gradually overcome by 2014 through strategic sponsorships, notably from global brands like Xiaomi, which supported multiple shows and enabled monthly event frequency that year. These partnerships provided crucial stability, allowing Road FC to invest in fighter contracts and broadcast deals.[20][21][22] Among early milestones, Road FC 006: Final 4 on February 5, 2012, at Jangchung Gymnasium marked the promotion's first tournament format, a single-night middleweight bracket that concluded with Japanese fighter Shungo Oyama defeating Hye Seok Son via TKO in the final, earning him the inaugural Road FC Middleweight Championship. This event showcased the promotion's emphasis on decisive outcomes and high-stakes formats, drawing larger crowds and solidifying its reputation for competitive matchmaking.[23][24][25] By 2015, Road FC had expanded from localized Seoul-based shows to over 10 annual events across South Korea, including venues in Busan and Wonju, positioning it as the premier MMA promotion in the country with a proven track record of producing fighters who advanced to international leagues. This growth reflected overcoming initial logistical and financial barriers through persistent event scheduling and corporate alliances, cementing Road FC's role in revitalizing Korean MMA.[19][26][27]Asian expansion
Road Fighting Championship marked its initial foray into international markets with its first overseas event, Road FC 024, held on July 25, 2015, at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, Japan.[28] This event featured high-profile matchups, including Riki Fukuda versus Uh Jin Jeon, and served as a platform for cross-promotion with Japanese promotions.[29] In collaboration with DEEP, Road FC organized trial tournaments and exhibition bouts, such as the DEEP 72 IMPACT event on May 16, 2015, which pitted DEEP fighters against Road FC representatives to facilitate fighter exchanges and build regional ties.[30] Expanding further into Asia, Road FC entered the Chinese market with Road FC 027 on December 26, 2015, at the Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, marking only its second international outing after the Tokyo debut.[6] This breakthrough event highlighted local talent, including Chinese fighter Zhao Zilong, and drew significant attention through strategic media partnerships. To amplify reach, Road FC secured live streaming deals with major platforms, including Tencent's QQ.com starting with Road FC 026 in October 2015 and Qihoo 360 (360GAME) as a presenting sponsor for multiple events.[31][6] These alliances with tech giants like Xiaomi, Tencent, and Baidu enabled broadcasts to vast online audiences, enhancing accessibility and contributing to millions of views per major event.[6] By 2017, Road FC had successfully hosted events across three countries—South Korea, Japan, and China—fostering greater participation from Asian fighters and solidifying its regional presence.[2] This expansion built on its domestic foundation in Korea, where it had established a strong base since 2010, to create a broader ecosystem for MMA talent development in Asia.[12]Recent milestones
Under the leadership of former President Dae-Hwan Kim, who assumed the role in late 2017 and served until 2022 after a distinguished career as an MMA broadcaster, Road FC shifted emphasis toward enhancing digital broadcasting capabilities and prioritizing fighter welfare initiatives.[9][32] Kim's tenure emphasized sustainable growth, including adaptations to the COVID-19 pandemic through continued event hosting with modified protocols to ensure participant safety, though specific virtual formats were not prominently featured.[33] By 2022, the promotion marked a resurgence with Road FC 62, signaling a return to in-person events amid easing restrictions.[33] The organization is scheduled to hold its 75th numbered event, Road FC 75, in December 2025, featuring triple title fights across welterweight, lightweight, and flyweight divisions, underscoring operational recovery and expanded programming.[34] By late 2025, Road FC had conducted over 900 matches in total, reflecting steady event proliferation since 2018.[2] Digital expansion included robust growth on YouTube, where the official channel delivers full fight videos, interviews, and promotional content to a global audience. In 2023, Road FC organized a coaches' seminar and joint training session at its official gym in Wonju, aimed at strengthening the talent pipeline through educator development and gym affiliations.[1] The promotion introduced and solidified women's divisions, notably the atomweight category with ongoing title bouts, alongside openweight championships that accommodate diverse fighter matchups without weight restrictions.[35] A key 2025 venture involved a strategic partnership with the Philippines' LCS Group to foster local talent development and host potential events, marking further Asian outreach.[36] In November 2025, the 78th Central League event on November 8 featured a record 165 bouts, marking the largest amateur MMA event in Road FC's history.[1] Financial stability has been bolstered by prominent sponsorships, including Goobne Chicken as a main partner since at least 2019, supporting event production and branding through integrated promotions like the Goobne ROAD FC series.[37][38]Rules and regulations
Rounds and fight duration
Road Fighting Championship bouts adhere to a standardized time structure aligned with international mixed martial arts conventions, featuring rounds of five minutes each separated by one-minute rest intervals. Non-title fights are typically scheduled for three rounds, allowing for a maximum duration of 15 minutes of fighting time plus rests. This format is evident across numerous Road FC events, such as Road FC 74, where multiple non-championship matches concluded after three rounds.[39] Title bouts and select main events extend to five rounds, providing up to 25 minutes of action to heighten the stakes for championship contests. For instance, featherweight title challenges in Road FC have been set for five five-minute rounds, as seen in bouts involving fighters like Tiago Ramos.[40] Women's divisions follow the three-round format for non-title fights, maintaining the five-minute round length to ensure consistency with men's bouts, as demonstrated in Road FC 31 outcomes.[41] Preliminary or "Young Guns" undercard fights may feature shorter structures, often limited to two five-minute rounds to accommodate emerging talent and control event pacing. Examples include featherweight preliminary bouts in Road FC events, which have been scheduled for two rounds totaling 10 minutes of fighting.[42] There are no provisions for overtime rounds in Road FC; if a fight reaches its scheduled limit without a finish via knockout, technical knockout, or submission, the outcome is determined by judges' scoring.[2] This time-based framework supports Road FC's overall commitment to unified MMA rules while prioritizing fighter safety and competitive integrity.[43]Judging and scoring
Road Fighting Championship employs the Unlimited Points System for judging bouts, a merit-based approach that accumulates points across the entire fight duration rather than scoring rounds individually.[44][45] This system rewards specific offensive and controlling actions while penalizing inactivity or infractions, aiming to promote continuous engagement and excitement in matches.[44][45] Three judges positioned ringside independently tally points for each fighter based on predefined criteria, with the competitor accumulating the higher total declared the winner by unanimous or majority decision.[44][45] Points are awarded as follows: one point each for a clear connecting strike (such as a legal punch, kick, or knee), successful takedown, achieving full or back mount, establishing clear ground control, attempting a near submission, or demonstrating effective aggression.[44][45] Higher-value actions, like a knockdown from a strike or a damaging slam, earn five points to emphasize impactful damage.[44][45] The criteria prioritize damage and dominance—through knockdowns and prolonged control positions like mounts—over mere technique, with aggression and grappling control (including time spent in advantageous positions) factored into point accumulation for sustained performances.[44][45] Fouls result in deductions, such as five points for a yellow card infraction or two points for a blue card issued for stalling or avoiding engagement.[44][45] Unlike the Ultimate Fighting Championship's 10-9 round-based scoring, which caps points per round and can undervalue dominant stretches, Road FC's system has no point limit, allowing exceptional performances—particularly in grappling control time and repeated takedowns—to build insurmountable leads over multiple rounds.[44][45] This encourages fighters to maintain pressure and penalizes passive defense more severely, fostering a higher pace of action.[44][45] The Unlimited Points System was implemented starting with Road FC 27 on December 26, 2015, in Shanghai, China, replacing the traditional 10-point must system to better reflect overall fight merit.[44][45] Total points remain undisclosed to the public during events but are provided to fighters and teams upon request for disputes.[44]Cage and fight environment
The Road Fighting Championship (Road FC) utilizes a standard octagonal cage for its fights, with fencing padded for fighter safety and a canvas floor marked with standard mixed martial arts (MMA) elements such as the center line and circles for positioning.[46] Events are predominantly hosted at Jangchung Arena in Seoul, South Korea, where the cage is integrated into the venue's layout to accommodate spectator seating near the enclosure.[46] For international expansions, such as bouts in Tokyo or Shanghai, Road FC employs portable cage setups to maintain consistency while adapting to different arenas.[46] Safety protocols emphasize padded corner structures and designated access points for medical personnel to enter swiftly during emergencies.[46] Broadcast standards include optimized lighting to highlight action within the cage and amplified sound systems for clear audio capture of fights and commentary.[46] This attire-compatible design ensures seamless integration with fighters' gear, promoting fluid movement without snags on the enclosure.[46]Attire and equipment
Fighters in Road Fighting Championship (Road FC) adhere to standard mixed martial arts (MMA) attire protocols, which emphasize mobility, safety, and uniformity. Male competitors typically wear trunk shorts or rash guards, while female fighters don shorts paired with sports bras or similar upper-body coverings; traditional gis, street clothes, or any restrictive garments are prohibited to ensure fair competition and prevent grappling advantages.[43] Protective equipment is mandatory to minimize injury risks. All participants must use 4-ounce open-fingered MMA gloves, supplied by the promotion, allowing for both striking and grappling. Mouthguards are required for every fighter and inspected prior to bouts, while male competitors must wear groin protectors secured in place; female fighters are exempt from groin protection but may use approved chest protectors if needed.[47][43] Weigh-in procedures support controlled weight management, with fighters required to meet their class limit the day before competition, followed by rehydration periods to restore optimal performance without extreme dehydration risks. Branding guidelines permit sponsor logos on approved shorts and gear, provided they contain no offensive or promotional content that violates event standards. In openweight divisions, gloves may exceed the standard 4 ounces for added safety in heavier contests, and select women's bouts, particularly those involving less experienced athletes, allow optional shin guards to enhance protection during striking exchanges.[48][43]Fouls and penalties
Road Fighting Championship (Road FC) adheres to the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts for its competitions, prohibiting a range of actions classified as fouls to ensure fighter safety and fair play. Standard fouls include eye gouges (poking or gouging the opponent's eyes), groin strikes (kicking or kneeing the groin area), small joint manipulation (twisting or bending fingers or toes), hair pulling, biting, and fish-hooking (inserting fingers into the opponent's mouth, nose, or other orifices). These violations are intended to prevent excessive harm and maintain the integrity of the bout.[43] Specific rules apply to actions against a grounded opponent, defined as a fighter who is in a supine or prone position, or who has their non-weight bearing hand on the canvas and at least one knee on the canvas. Prohibited techniques in this scenario include soccer kicks (kicking the head of a grounded opponent), stomps (stomping on a grounded opponent), and knees to the head of a grounded opponent. However, if the opponent has only one hand or knee on the canvas and is attempting to rise, standing strikes such as punches or kicks to the head remain legal, provided the attacker does not target the grounded aspects illegally. These grounded opponent restrictions aim to protect vulnerable fighters while allowing dynamic transitions.[43] Penalties for fouls in Road FC are determined by the referee and enforced by the official scorekeeper, escalating based on severity and intent. Minor infractions typically result in a verbal warning, while more serious or repeated offenses lead to point deductions of one or two points from the offender's score in the round. Severe or accumulative fouls can result in disqualification, awarding the victory to the opponent. Accidental fouls, such as unintentional eye pokes, do not incur penalties but may prompt a no-fault stoppage by the doctor to assess injury, potentially restarting the fight from standing position or ending it if necessary.[43] Referees exercise significant discretion in managing fouls, including the authority to immediately halt the action for any infraction causing apparent injury, even if accidental, to prioritize medical evaluation. In cases of ambiguous incidents, instant replay review is available to clarify whether a foul occurred, aiding precise penalty application. This aligns with broader MMA protocols adopted by Road FC to enhance officiating accuracy.[43] Distinct to Road FC's implementation, stricter penalties address timidity—such as deliberate failure to engage in striking or stalling in the clinch or on the ground—and faking fouls to gain recovery time, often resulting in immediate point deductions under the promotion's Unlimited Points System to discourage passive or manipulative tactics and promote aggressive, continuous action.[44]Match outcomes
Road Fighting Championship (Road FC) bouts conclude through standard methods aligned with the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, which the promotion adopted as its foundational framework in 2014 while implementing unique scoring modifications.[43] A knockout (KO) is declared when legal strikes render a fighter unconscious and unable to intelligently defend themselves, prompting the referee to stop the contest immediately.[43] Technical knockouts (TKO) occur via strikes if the referee determines one fighter can no longer continue due to accumulated damage, or via cuts if the ringside physician deems a laceration severe enough to halt the fight for safety reasons.[43] Submissions end fights when a fighter signals surrender through a physical tap, verbal acknowledgment, or audible distress from a joint lock or chokehold, at which point the referee intervenes to protect the competitor.[43] A doctor's stoppage may also occur independently if medical evaluation reveals an injury preventing safe continuation, distinct from routine cuts or strike-based assessments.[43] If no finish happens within the scheduled rounds—typically three five-minute periods for non-title bouts or five for championships—outcomes are determined by judges' decisions using Road FC's Unlimited Points System, introduced in 2015 to replace the traditional 10-point must scoring.[45] Under this merit-based approach, points accumulate for effective actions like strikes, takedowns, and control without per-round caps, leading to unanimous decisions (all three judges favor one fighter), majority decisions (two judges favor one, one scores a draw), or split decisions (two judges for one fighter, one for the other).[45] Draws are rare and require all judges to score the bout even, while no contests arise post-round if an injury from an accidental incident prevents resumption without fault assigned.[43] Walkovers and forfeits apply when a fighter fails to make weight at the official weigh-in or is unable to appear at fight time due to injury or other non-disciplinary reasons, awarding victory to the opponent by default; title implications depend on the bout's status and promotion discretion.[43] Following every bout, fighters undergo immediate medical evaluations by ringside physicians to assess for concussions, cuts, or other injuries, ensuring prompt care and clearance.[43] Road FC also recognizes exceptional performances with post-fight bonuses, such as Fight of the Night for the most compelling matchup and Performance of the Night for standout individual efforts, awarded at select events to incentivize aggressive and skillful combat.Events
Event format and scheduling
Road Fighting Championship (Road FC) events typically feature 10 to 15 bouts per card, structured with a preliminary card focused on emerging prospects through the "Young Guns" series, followed by a main card that includes competitive matchups and often culminates in title bouts.[49][50] The Young Guns segment highlights up-and-coming fighters, providing a platform for talent development within the promotion.[51] Road FC organizes 6 to 8 events annually, with most held quarterly at Seoul's Jangchung Arena, a central venue for the promotion's domestic operations. International cards occur 1 to 2 times per year, though recent schedules emphasize South Korean locations.[2] The 2025 schedule included key events such as Road FC 074 on September 27 at Ansan Sangnoksu Gymnasium, where flyweight champion Jung Hyun Lee defended his title via majority decision against Ye Jun Pyun, and upcoming events Road FC 075 as the year-end card on December 7 at Jangchung Arena, and Road FC 076 on March 15, 2026, also at Jangchung Arena.[52][53][39] Weigh-ins follow a standard day-before format, conducted ceremonially to ensure compliance with weight classes, as seen in official proceedings for events like Road FC 041.[54] Protocols include fighter introductions, with national anthems performed for bouts involving international competitors to honor participants.[5] Events last 3 to 4 hours live, preceded by press conferences and fan meet-and-greets to build anticipation.[15] Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Road FC shifted to a hybrid model combining in-person attendance with live streaming, enhancing global accessibility while maintaining core event logistics.[5] The cage setup, utilized across events, supports the promotion's unified fighting environment.[2]Notable events and rivalries
Road FC's early history featured several landmark events that established its reputation for high-stakes tournaments and international appeal. Road FC 006: Final 4, held on February 5, 2012, at Jangchung Gymnasium in Seoul, marked the promotion's inaugural tournament format, culminating in the middleweight final where Japanese fighter Shungo Oyama defeated South Korean Hye Seok Son via TKO (punches) in the first round at 2:10 to claim the inaugural title.[23] Road FC 031 on May 14, 2016, also at Jangchung, highlighted international crossovers with bouts involving fighters from the United States (George Roop), Japan (Kiyoshi Kuwabara), and China (Alatengheili), drawing a sold-out crowd and showcasing Road FC's growing global roster.[41][55] More recently, Road FC 73 on June 28, 2025, at the same venue, saw a pivotal lightweight title change when Kamil Magomedov secured a technical submission victory over defending champion Nandin-Erdene Munguntsooj in the main event, marking Magomedov's ascent in the division.[56][49] In 2025, Road FC continued to deliver title-defining moments amid its evolving schedule. Road FC 72 on March 16, 2025, at Jangchung Gymnasium, crowned 23-year-old Jung Hyun Lee as the new flyweight champion after he outpointed Dong Hyuk Ko via unanimous decision in a closely contested main event, highlighting Lee's undefeated streak in the promotion.[57][58] At Road FC 074 on September 27, 2025, flyweight champion Jung Hyun Lee retained his title via majority decision against Ye Jun Pyun in the main event.[39] Looking ahead, Road FC 75, scheduled for December 7, 2025, at Jangchung Arena, promises a triple title card featuring defenses and challenges in the welterweight, lightweight, and featherweight divisions, positioning it as the promotion's year-end spectacle.[59][34] Prominent rivalries have added intensity to Road FC's narrative, particularly in cross-border matchups. From 2012 to 2014, Japanese middleweight Shungo Oyama engaged in heated Korea-Japan clashes, winning the 2012 tournament against Korean opponents like Hye Seok Son and Kim Jong-dae before suffering a knockout loss to Eun Soo Lee in November 2012, fueling nationalistic fervor among fans.[60][24] In the featherweight division, ongoing feuds emerged post-2022 with Hae Jin Park's title defenses, including his technical submission (arm-triangle choke) victory over Seung Mo Park at Road FC 062 on December 18, 2022, and subsequent bouts that solidified his status while intensifying divisional rivalries.[61][62] These events have contributed to Road FC's cultural impact by fostering international rivalries, such as recent exchanges with Japan's Rizin FF, including the dispatch of Road FC judges Im Tae-wook and Shin Seung-yeol to officiate Rizin bouts in 2025, promoting collaboration between the promotions.[63] Such initiatives have helped draw large audiences, with events like those at Jangchung Gymnasium routinely selling out its approximately 4,500 seats. Road FC also holds records for attendance and action-packed cards, including the highest reported attendance at Jangchung during 2017 events amid the promotion's expansion, and Road FC 40 on July 15, 2017, which featured the most finishes on a single card with 11 of 14 bouts ending by stoppage, including multiple knockouts and submissions in the $1 Million Lightweight Tournament opening round.[64][65][66]Championships
Weight divisions
Road FC employs a series of weight divisions for men's and women's competitions, adhering to upper weight limits measured in kilograms to promote equitable bouts and fighter safety. The men's divisions consist of Flyweight (up to 56.7 kg), Bantamweight (up to 61.5 kg), Featherweight (up to 65.5 kg), Lightweight (up to 70 kg), Welterweight (up to 77 kg), Middleweight (up to 84 kg), Light Heavyweight (up to 93 kg), Heavyweight (up to 120 kg), and Openweight (no upper limit for special superfights).[67][68])[69][70] Women's divisions, introduced in 2017 to expand opportunities in the promotion, include Atomweight (up to 48 kg), Flyweight (up to 52 kg), Bantamweight (up to 57 kg), and Featherweight (up to 61 kg), with limits adjusted proportionally to the men's classes for gender-specific fairness.[71][72] Weigh-ins for non-title fights require fighters to hit the exact division limit, whereas title bouts permit a 0.5 kg allowance to account for scale variance; hydration tests via urine specific gravity have been required since 2018 to curb dangerous dehydration practices during weight cuts.[73] The promotion launched in 2010 with an initial set of five core classes—primarily focusing on middleweight and heavier divisions—and progressively expanded to ten by 2016 through the addition of lighter categories, while the openweight class was formalized around 2018 for high-profile crossover matches.[74] Post-weigh-in rehydration occurs over a monitored 24-hour period, allowing fighters to regain weight safely before competition without exceeding oversight protocols.[75]Current champions
As of November 16, 2025, the Road Fighting Championship (Road FC) has active champions in several weight divisions, with Tae In Kim holding titles in the heavyweight and light heavyweight classes. The bantamweight, featherweight, welterweight, and atomweight divisions are vacant.[1] The current champions are listed below, including the date their reign began and the number of successful title defenses to date. Upcoming Road FC 075 on December 7, 2025, features title bouts for welterweight, lightweight, and featherweight.| Division | Champion | Reign began | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavyweight | Tae In Kim (South Korea) | April 13, 2024 | 0 |
| Openweight | Tae In Kim (South Korea) | April 13, 2024 | 0 |
| Light Heavyweight | Tae In Kim (South Korea) | December 18, 2022 | 0 |
| Middleweight | In Su Hwang (South Korea) | March 16, 2025 | 0 |
| Lightweight | Kamil Magomedov (Bahrain) | June 28, 2025 | 0 (upcoming defense at Road FC 075) |
| Flyweight | Jung Hyun Lee (South Korea) | March 16, 2025 | 1 |
| Featherweight | Vacant (last held by Shin Haraguchi, won March 16, 2025) | N/A | N/A |
| Bantamweight | Vacant (last held by Soo Chul Kim until 2025) | N/A | N/A |
| Welterweight | Vacant (title bout upcoming at Road FC 075) | N/A | N/A |
| Atomweight | Vacant (last held in 2022) | N/A | N/A |