Overview of MMA
The highly popular combat sport, mixed martial arts has entertained millions of fans around the world. The full contact sport features one-on-one fights and has seen an alarming increase in popularity in pay per view matches recently. Mixed Martial Art has become one of the most viewed contact sports around the world, competing with celebrated sports such as professional wrestling and boxing. The MMA has roots in several fighting styles from various cultures such as Japanese shoot wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Sambo and Judo. Internationally, the sport is governed by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation that was formed in 2012. The IMMAF consists of twenty one member nations including the US, UK, Ukraine, Sweden, Norway, Nepal, Ireland, France, Estonia, Denmark, Canada, Brazil and Austria.
Origin of MMA
The origin of mixed martial arts goes back to the Ancient Greek era. During the ancient Olympics, the combat sport known as ‘Pankration’ was played between two participants that featured striking and grappling moves similar to the modern sport. This form of fighting was later seen during the Roman era. In the US, the first incident of martial art based fight took place in 1887, when ‘World Heavy Weight Boxing Champion’ John L Sullivan took on the ‘Greco-Roman Wrestling Champion’ William Muldoon. Similar encounters were held throughout the twentieth century in Europe as well as other parts of the world. However, the regulated form of MMA was seen in the US after the formation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Founded in November 1993, the Ultimate Fighting Championship was one of the main promoters of MMA in the US. The initial purpose of the UFC was to identify the most effective martial art style by hosting events between fighters from various disciplines such as Judo, Karate, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Sambo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and boxing. Later, fighters began adopting effective techniques from more than one discipline, creating an entirely separate style of combat. This adoption of various fighting styles gave birth to the present day mixed martial arts.
Now, UFC has become one of the largest MMA promoters, hosting top ranking fights around the world. The company enjoys huge TV ratings and match attendance. In 2011, the UFC 129 event set the world record for the highest paid gate. The event also set the highest MMA match attendance record at Toronto’s Rogers Center, attracting over 55700 people.
The Live Experience
The MMA fights are a highly engaging affair for the viewers. Even though brutal, the contact sport features skillful maneuvers and agility that keeps the audiences glued to the show. By witnessing the MMA fights live, the viewers can truly experience the thrill and excitement that engrips the entire arena during a match. Now, Mixed Martial Arts tickets have become a highly sought after commodity. Every year, thousands of fans seek to witness the top pay per view events and bouts live. So make sure to reserve your seat at the upcoming MMA events that will surely offer a memorable experience.