Mixed Martial Arts and UFC History

Mixed Martial Arts or MMA consists of athe wrestler succeeded in defeat. Across Europe,
professional fighter using different styles ofboxing versus other styles of martial art were
martial arts to ultimately defeat his/her opponent.common place, most notably Jiu Jitsu vs boxing.
The earliest recorded full-contact martial art wasThere was huge demand of individuals wanting to
named Pankration and began in Greece aroundlearn this early Mixed Martial Art and no short
the year 648 B.C.supply of people wanting to spectate.
There is a strong possibility that Pankration mayA massive contribution to Mixed Martial Arts was
have been the parent sport of Mixed Martial ArtsBruce Lee. Bruce Lees' first martial art style was
and many other full-contact combat styles. It isWing Chun, but he later formed his own style
believed that Pankration formed many of theknown as Jeet Kune Do. This type of Mixed
styles and techniques used in today's Mixed MartialMartial Art consisted of of different styles such
Arts.as Wing Chun, Karate, boxing, Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling
Wrestling is a great influence in MMA, which canand more. Lee's theory was that these different
be observed by many a spectator. A Mixedstyles of martial arts allowed him to use the best
Martial Arts or UFC match can be mistaken for ade fences and conduct the best attacks.
wrestling competition to the untrained eye. DuringAnother influential figure to the sport of Mixed
the late 1800's boxing and wrestling becameMartial Arts was Royce Gracie who won the very
popular among certain individuals such, as John L.first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 1993.
Sullivan who was at that time well known for hisIt was after this event that Mixed Martial Arts
no holds bar approach.and the UFC gained a massive cult following
During the late 1800's, many people held anythingthroughout the world.
goes competitions and matches, and more often