Mixed Martial Arts and UFC History

Mixed Martial Arts or MMA consists of a professional fighter using different styles of martial arts to ultimately defeat his/her opponent. The earliest recorded full-contact martial art was named Pankration and began in Greece around the year 648 B.C.

There is a strong possibility that Pankration may have been the parent sport of Mixed Martial Arts and many other full-contact combat styles. It is believed that Pankration formed many of the styles and techniques used in today's Mixed Martial Arts.

Wrestling is a great influence in MMA, which can be observed by many a spectator. A Mixed Martial Arts or UFC match can be mistaken for a wrestling competition to the untrained eye. During the late 1800's boxing and wrestling became popular among certain individuals such, as John L. Sullivan who was at that time well known for his no holds bar approach.

During the late 1800's, many people held anything goes competitions and matches, and more often the wrestler succeeded in defeat. Across Europe, boxing versus other styles of martial art were common place, most notably Jiu Jitsu vs boxing. There was huge demand of individuals wanting to learn this early Mixed Martial Art and no short supply of people wanting to spectate.

A massive contribution to Mixed Martial Arts was Bruce Lee. Bruce Lees' first martial art style was Wing Chun, but he later formed his own style known as Jeet Kune Do. This type of Mixed Martial Art consisted of of different styles such as Wing Chun, Karate, boxing, Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling and more. Lee's theory was that these different styles of martial arts allowed him to use the best de fences and conduct the best attacks.

Another influential figure to the sport of Mixed Martial Arts was Royce Gracie who won the very first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 1993. It was after this event that Mixed Martial Arts and the UFC gained a massive cult following throughout the world.