What is UFC: explainer on mixed martial arts promotion
The gist
The UFC launched in Denver in 1993 with marketing saying "there are no rules."
MMA is the sport; the UFC is the promotion that runs the events.
How it unfolded
- Nov 12, 1993The UFC launched in Denver with marketing that said "there are no rules"; biting, eye-gouging and groin strikes were banned, but headbutts, hair pulling, kicks to the head of a downed opponent and bare knuckles were allowed.
- Sep 1995Rick Blume of Battlecade Extreme Fighting is usually credited with the first promotional use of the phrase "mixed martial arts" while building his rival promotion to the UFC.
- 2007Pride, a Japanese promotion, was sold to the Fertittas, the owners of the UFC, after reports of links to the Yakuza.
Key terms
- MMA
- A full-contact combat sport combining striking and grappling techniques from many martial arts.
- promotion
- A company or business that organizes and stages shows or events, such as fight cards, for a sport.
- Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts
- A standardized set of rules governing mixed martial arts competition, covering equipment, rounds, scoring and fouls.
Source: Wikipedia