Mixed Martial Arts might seem like a sport that appeared out of nowhere during the last few decades, but MMA is actually a hybrid of the ancient Greco-Roman sport pankration, which was a combination of grappling and striking and part of the most ancient Olympic games.
While fights that incorporated multiple styles of sparring continued through the years, official records of fights similar to modern MMA begin showing up during the 19th Century throughout Europe. These fights incorporated multiple styles of wresting, including Greco-Roman wrestling, as well as boxing. In the United States, the first recorded example of an MMA-style fight was between a professional boxer, John Sullivan, and a champion Greco-Roman wrestler, William Muldoon.
Moving through the early 20th Century, there are many recorded examples of mixed fighting throughout Asia, Europe and the United States. During this time in Brazil, vale tudo fighting became highly popular. Vale tudo translates basically to "anything goes," and incorporated many styles of fighting, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Although many assume he was mainly a Kung Fu fighter, Bruce Lee is often hailed as the father of modern mixed martial arts. He created his own philosophy of Jeet Kune Do, which combined Kung Fu with many other fighting styles. He believed that a fighter should be able to use many styles of fighting, including kicking, punching, and grappling. This well-rounded fighting style has evolved into the style of mixed martial arts that we see today.
MMA gained a mainstream following in the early 1990s with the creation of Ultimate Fighting Championship or UFC. UFC has become the largest MMA promotion company in the world, with many of the world's top fighters on its roster. The group rose to prominence after the first UFC championship, when legendary fighter Royce Gracie defeated three other fighters in just five minutes. From there, interest in the sport grew exponentially, as well as concerns about the general lack of regulations within the sport. In 2000, the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts were created, which are used throughout the United States.
In addition to UFC, there have been several other groups that have been created for the purpose of holding MMA competitions, most notably Strikeforce. Strikeforce originated as a kickboxing organization but evolved into mixed martial arts. In 2006, Strikeforce's first large-scale MMA event, Shamrock vs. Gracie, broke MMA audience attendance records. This record would stand until UFC 129 in 2011. During 2011, Strikeforce was purchased by the company that owns UFC; however, the owners have stated that two will remain separate entities.
While fights that incorporated multiple styles of sparring continued through the years, official records of fights similar to modern MMA begin showing up during the 19th Century throughout Europe. These fights incorporated multiple styles of wresting, including Greco-Roman wrestling, as well as boxing. In the United States, the first recorded example of an MMA-style fight was between a professional boxer, John Sullivan, and a champion Greco-Roman wrestler, William Muldoon.
Moving through the early 20th Century, there are many recorded examples of mixed fighting throughout Asia, Europe and the United States. During this time in Brazil, vale tudo fighting became highly popular. Vale tudo translates basically to "anything goes," and incorporated many styles of fighting, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Although many assume he was mainly a Kung Fu fighter, Bruce Lee is often hailed as the father of modern mixed martial arts. He created his own philosophy of Jeet Kune Do, which combined Kung Fu with many other fighting styles. He believed that a fighter should be able to use many styles of fighting, including kicking, punching, and grappling. This well-rounded fighting style has evolved into the style of mixed martial arts that we see today.
MMA gained a mainstream following in the early 1990s with the creation of Ultimate Fighting Championship or UFC. UFC has become the largest MMA promotion company in the world, with many of the world's top fighters on its roster. The group rose to prominence after the first UFC championship, when legendary fighter Royce Gracie defeated three other fighters in just five minutes. From there, interest in the sport grew exponentially, as well as concerns about the general lack of regulations within the sport. In 2000, the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts were created, which are used throughout the United States.
In addition to UFC, there have been several other groups that have been created for the purpose of holding MMA competitions, most notably Strikeforce. Strikeforce originated as a kickboxing organization but evolved into mixed martial arts. In 2006, Strikeforce's first large-scale MMA event, Shamrock vs. Gracie, broke MMA audience attendance records. This record would stand until UFC 129 in 2011. During 2011, Strikeforce was purchased by the company that owns UFC; however, the owners have stated that two will remain separate entities.
About the Author:
Nolan Barias likes writing about mixed martial arts benefits. To get more details about MMA lessons in San Diego or to find a boxing gym San Diego, please check out The Arena MMA website now.
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