The scoring system is supposed to be that way as far as I'm aware. Effective striking and grappling is the main criteria with damage trumping all. Only thing I'm not sure on is whether holding somebody is considered control time or not because the only control time I see mentioned when looking for rules is "octagon control time".
I've read a few sites and they say the second criteria is effective aggression and that only comes in to play if they are even in the first criteria. So if they are even as far as attacking goes the one who appeared to be trying to finish the fight wins the rd. Only if they are even in both the first 2 criteria does octagon control time come into play.
"When determining the winner of a round, the referee considers every aspect of the fight, including takedowns that result in effective attacks on an opponent."
"The effectiveness of a fighter’s usage of their position on the ground, whether top or bottom, is evaluated based on how well they damage their opponent."
"Takedowns, obtaining attacking positions, and attempting to submit the opponent are all examples of successful grappling tactics."
Commentators always talk about control time but is it even counted if the rd isn't dead even?