Started in 1993, the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) brand is in its thirteenth year of operation as a professional mixed martial arts organization offering the premier series of MMA sports events.
The UFC organization follows a rich history and tradition of competitive MMA dating back to the Olympic Games in Athens . About 80 years ago, a Brazilian form of MMA known as Vale Tudo (anything goes) sparked local interest in the sport.
Then, the UFC organization brought MMA to the world. The goal was to find “the Ultimate Fighting Champion†with a concept to have a tournament of the best athletes skilled in the various disciplines of all martial arts, including karate, jiu-jitsu, boxing, kickboxing, grappling, wrestling, sumo and other combat sports. The winner of the tournament would be crowned the champion.
Once the UFC brand was launched, the MMA surged in popularity, followed by immense interest in where these bouts became major events.
In January 2001, under the new ownership of Zuffa, LLC, the UFC brand completely restructured MMA into a highly organized and controlled combat sport. As a result, the UFC organization now offers eight live pay-per-view events annually through cable and satellite providers. UFC fight programs are also distributed internationally throughout the world, including broadcast on WOWOW, Inc. in Japan, Globosat in Brazil, and Bravo in the United Kingdom.
Response to the UFC brand of MMA has been tremendous, resulting in a growing fan base that has grown exponentially through the years.
Recently, a UFC event in Anaheim attracted more than 17, 000 people—the largest audience ever to witness a UFC event. Since then, UFC popularity continues to reach new heights as the third season of the hit reality series The Ultimate Fighter® delivered record ratings for the Spike TV cable network.
Just recently, the UFC organization and Spike TV extended its two-year strategic partnership through 2008 to present four additional seasons of hit reality series The Ultimate Fighter, as well as ten live Ultimate Fight Night,, events and 26 taped programs of UFC: Unleashed,,.
The UFC organization is regulated and recognized by the world’s most prestigious sports regulatory bodies including the California, Nevada and New Jersey State Athletic Commissions. The new UFC organization strives for the highest levels of safety and quality in all aspects of the sport.
Boxing The skill or sport of fighting with the fists usually with padded leather gloves. Referred to as the "sweet science," boxers use elaborate foot maneuvers and quick jabs for offense.
Brazilian Jiu-JitsuIn the mid-1920's, Carlos Gracie opened the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He taught the skills he learned from Japanese Judo master Esai Maeda. The skills were later modified to use less strength and to be more effective against larger opponents. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's reputation spread due to the success of its practitioners in no holds barred contests.
Freestyle WrestlingPossibly the world's oldest sport. Contestants struggle hand to hand attempting to throw or take down their opponent without striking blows. Some of the many styles of wrestling are Freestyle, Greco-Roman, and catch as catch can.
Greco-Roman WrestlingPossibly the worlds oldest sport. Contestants struggle hand to hand attempting to throw or take down their opponent without striking blows. Some of the many styles of wrestling are Freestyle, Greco-Roman, and catch as catch can.
Jiu JutsuAncient Japanese martial art that encompasses throwing, joint locks, striking, and weapons training.
JudoSportive Japanese martial art founded in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Derived from Jujutsu, Judo is now an Olympic sport that emphasizes throws. Striking is not allowed in competition Judo.
KarateName used to identify many Japanese and Okinawan martial arts. While known for powerful, linear techniques, many Karate styles also incorporate softer, circular techniques. Some of the popular styles of Karate are Kyokushinkai, Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu, and Kenpo which was the first "Americanized" version of Karate.
KickboxingSportive martial art combining boxing punches and martial arts kicks. Many different styles with different rules exist such as Muay Thai, Full Contact Karate, and Asian Rules Fighting.
Kung FuAlso referred to as Gung Fu, Chinese Boxing, and Wu Shu. There are hundreds of Kung Fu styles. Many are patterned after the movements of animals. Some well known styles of Kung Fu are Wing Chun, Praying Mantis, Pau Kua, Tai-Chi-Ch'uan, and Shuai Chiao.
Tae Kwon DoOne of the most practiced martial arts in the world, Tae Kwon Do is a Korean style known for its flashy kicking techniques.
WrestlingPossibly the world's oldest sport. Contestants struggle hand to hand attempting to throw or take down their opponent without striking blows. Some of the many styles of wrestling are Freestyle, Greco-Roman, and catch as catch can.
Under the strong leadership of owners Lorenzo Fertitta and Frank Fertitta III, and expertise of President Dana White , the UFC brand continues to thrive across a spectrum of live event sports, television production and ancillary business development.a .text
{
font-weight: bold;
font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;
}
