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Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the concerns it has brought to the world, your passion for mixed martial arts (MMA) remains undiminished. You’re eager to soak up every fascinating detail about this combat sport. So, let’s dive into the world of MMA!
What is MMA?
Mixed martial arts (MMA), often referred to as cage fighting, is a no-holds-barred combat sport that encompasses a blend of striking, grappling, and ground fighting techniques derived from various martial arts and combat sports worldwide. The term “mixed martial arts” gained recognition when TV critic Howard Rosenberg used it in a study of UFC 1 in 1993, although its true origin remains a topic of debate.
A Glimpse into MMA’s History
The concept of integrating elements from different martial arts styles was popularized by Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do in the late 1960s and early 1970s. A pivotal moment occurred in 1976 when the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali faced off against wrestler Antonio Inoki in Japan. This bout laid the groundwork for modern MMA and led to the establishment of Pancrase in 1993 and Pride Fighting Championships in 1997.
CV Productions, Inc. initiated the Tough Guy Contest, later renamed the Battle of the Superfighters, in 1980, marking the birth of regulated MMA in the United States. This contest was held in Pennsylvania, but it faced legislative opposition, with the Pennsylvania State Senate proposing a ban on the sport in 1983.
In 1993, the Gracie family founded the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a pivotal moment that introduced Brazilian jiu-jitsu to the United States. The early UFC events featured minimal regulations, aiming to emulate the Vale Tudo matches in Brazil. Subsequently, the UFC implemented its own set of rules, setting it apart from other organizations that leaned towards realistic fighting scenarios.
Understanding MMA Rules
Since the early days of Vale Tudo, the rule sets for MMA competitions have undergone significant evolution. Diverse rule sets have emerged, shaped by considerations related to health, legality, and ethics, leading to distinct approaches and techniques in different countries and promotions. Shoot wrestling organizations, such as Shooto, expanded their rule sets to incorporate aspects of Vale Tudo. Fighters accustomed to one rule set generally adapt to others with relative ease.
The Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts stand out as perhaps the most widely adopted rule set globally. These rules have been embraced by all state athletic commissions in the United States overseeing MMA and are prominently featured in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
The Unified Rules serve as the standard for MMA regulations in the United States and have been adopted by numerous international competitions and governing bodies. Other notable rule sets include those of Shooto, which introduced padded gloves, and Pride rules, as embraced by the UFC following its acquisition of PRIDE Fighting Championships.