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Difference Between UFC and MMA. A Clear Explanation

Category:
Martial Arts Culture and History
collage from UFC events

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) are two popular combat sports that are often used interchangeably. However, they are not the same thing. MMA is a sport that combines various martial arts disciplines such as boxing, wrestling, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, among others. UFC, on the other hand, is a promotion company that hosts MMA fights.

While MMA has been around for centuries, UFC was founded in 1993 as a way to showcase different martial arts styles and determine which one was the most effective. UFC quickly gained popularity, and today it is the biggest MMA promotion company in the world. Despite this, UFC and MMA are not synonymous, and there are important differences between the two. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone who wants to follow or participate in these sports.

Defining the Terms

What is MMA?

MMA stands for Mixed Martial Arts. It is a full-contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, from a variety of other combat sports. The rules of MMA are designed to allow fighters to use a wide range of techniques to defeat their opponents. Fighters can use techniques such as punches, kicks, knees, elbows, and takedowns to gain an advantage over their opponents.

What is the UFC?

The UFC, or Ultimate Fighting Championship, is a mixed martial arts promotion company based in the United States. It is the largest MMA promotion company in the world and has been instrumental in the growth and popularity of MMA as a sport. The UFC was founded in 1993 and has since become a global phenomenon, with events held all over the world.

collage from early UFC events
Early days of UFC

The UFC has helped to establish many of the rules and regulations of modern MMA. The company has also been responsible for bringing many of the top fighters in the world to the forefront of the sport. The UFC has a number of weight classes for both men and women, and fighters compete in a variety of different weight classes depending on their size and skill level.

Overall, MMA and the UFC are often used interchangeably, but it is important to understand that they are not the same thing. MMA is a sport, while the UFC is a promotion company that promotes MMA fights.

Organizational Structure

UFC as an Organization

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company based in the United States. It was founded in 1993 and has since become the largest MMA promotion company in the world. The UFC has a hierarchical organizational structure with a president at the top, followed by vice presidents, and then various departments such as legal, finance, marketing, and operations. The UFC is owned by Endeavor Group Holdings, a global entertainment, sports, and content company.

MMA as a Sport

MMA is a combat sport that combines various martial arts disciplines such as boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, and karate. MMA is not a single organization but rather a sport with many different organizations and promotions around the world. MMA organizations are responsible for organizing fights between fighters, setting rules and regulations, and promoting the sport. Unlike the UFC, MMA organizations do not have a hierarchical organizational structure but rather a more decentralized structure.

In conclusion, the UFC is a specific organization that promotes MMA, while MMA is a sport that has many different organizations and promotions around the world. UFC has a hierarchical organizational structure, while MMA organizations have a more decentralized structure.

Continue exploring the world of MMA and UFC with this comprehensive list, detailing illegal moves and fouls as recognized in the modern-day rule set.

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One becomes a beginner after 1000 days of training. One becomes a master after 10,000 days of practice.
Mas Oyama