The Start of UFC
The Founding of the UFC
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was founded in 1993 by businessman Art Davie and Brazilian martial artist Rorion Gracie. The first event was held on November 12, 1993, at the McNichols Sports Arena in Denver, Colorado. The goal was to determine the most effective martial art in a real fight situation between competitors of different fighting disciplines, with minimal rules and no weight classes.
Art Davie proposed an eight-man single-elimination tournament called “War of the Worlds” to John Milius and Rorion Gracie. This idea was inspired by the “Gracies in Action” video series, produced by the Gracie family of Brazil, which showcased Gracie jiu-jitsu students defeating martial artists from various disciplines such as karate, kung fu, and kickboxing in Vale Tudo matches. The tournament aimed to feature martial artists from different disciplines competing in no-holds-barred combat to determine the best martial art, replicating the excitement Davie saw in the videos. Rorion Gracie accepted the proposal, eager to showcase and promote his family’s jiu-jitsu to a wider audience.
The Inaugural Event
WOW Promotions and SEG produced the first event, later retroactively named UFC 1, at the McNichols Sports Arena in Denver, Colorado, on November 12, 1993. Art Davie served as the booker and matchmaker for the event. The aim was to answer sports fans’ questions like, “Can a wrestler beat a boxer?” At that time, most martial artists were skilled in only one discipline and had little experience facing opponents with different skill sets.
The television broadcast featured a diverse lineup of fighters: kickboxer Kevin Rosier, taekwondo practitioner Patrick Smith, savate fighter Gerard Gordeau, karate expert Zane Frazier, shootfighter Ken Shamrock, sumo wrestler Teila Tuli, boxer Art Jimmerson, and 175 lb (79 kg) Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Royce Gracie. Royce, the younger brother of UFC co-founder Rorion Gracie, was selected to represent his family. His submission skills proved to be the most effective in the inaugural tournament, earning him the first-ever UFC tournament championship after submitting Jimmerson, Shamrock, and Gordeau in succession. The show was extremely successful, attracting 86,592 pay-per-view television subscribers.
Rorion Gracie and Art Davie were opposed to using a traditional roped ring for their event, fearing that fighters could escape through the ropes during grappling or fall off and injure themselves, as evidenced by old Vale Tudo footage. SEG’s executives agreed and also wanted to visually distinguish their event from professional boxing and wrestling. Various ideas were considered, including a roped ring surrounded by netting, a moat with alligators, a raised platform with a razor-wire fence, electrified fencing, men in togas, and netting that could be lowered from the ceiling by a pulley. Ultimately, Jason Cusson designed an arena with eight sides surrounded by a chain-link fence, creating the trademarked Octagon, which became the signature setting for the UFC.
The Unexpected Success
It’s disputed whether the promoters intended the event to be a precursor to future events.
“That show was only supposed to be a one-off,” eventual UFC president Dana White said. “It did so well on pay-per-view they decided to do another, and another. Never in a million years did these guys think they were creating a sport.”
Evolution of the UFC
The success of the first event led to the establishment of the UFC as a recurring competition, which has since evolved into a global phenomenon. Over the years, the UFC has introduced more rigorous rules and weight classes, transforming mixed martial arts (MMA) into a highly organized and regulated sport. Today, the UFC is the largest MMA promotion in the world, hosting events worldwide and showcasing fighters from various disciplines.
Further reading: Difference Between UFC and MMA. A Clear Explanation
Early Days and Challenges
The early days of the UFC were marked by a raw and unfiltered approach to combat sports, which drew both fascination and criticism. The lack of rules and weight classes meant that fighters of vastly different sizes and styles faced off against each other, creating a spectacle that was both unpredictable and brutal. This format highlighted the effectiveness of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, as demonstrated by Royce Gracie’s dominance, and set the stage for the evolution of MMA as a sport where technique and strategy often trumped sheer size and strength.
Further reading: How UFC Rules Evolved Over Time
Modern UFC and Global Expansion
As the UFC grew in popularity, it began to implement changes to ensure the safety of the fighters and the legitimacy of the sport. Weight classes were introduced, along with a set of unified rules that included rounds, time limits, and a list of fouls. These changes helped to transform the UFC from a controversial spectacle into a respected sport with a global following.
Today, the UFC continues to innovate and expand, bringing MMA to new audiences around the world. Its events are broadcast in over 150 countries, and its fighters are some of the most recognized athletes in the world. The UFC’s journey from a one-off event to a global sports powerhouse is a testament to the vision of its founders and the dedication of its fighters and fans.
Further reading: UFC Illegal Moves
Injuries Experienced by the Mixed Martial Arts Athletes