Ultimate Fighting Championship

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a mixed martial arts (MMA) organization based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Fast Facts

1. Founded: 1993
2. Headquarters: Las Vegas, Nevada
3. Founders: Art Davie, Rorion Gracie, Robert Meyrowitz
4. President: Dana White
5. Parent company: Zuffa
6. TV Networks: SPIKE, Pay-Per-View

Brief History

The UFC was first started as a tournament to find the best fighters in the world. Early UFC fights had very few rules and were considered No Holds Barred, resulting in very brutal and violent fights. Feeling pressure from those opposed to the event's violent nature, UFC went into the underground.

Political pressure continued and UFC slowly began to enforce stricter rules for their fights. UFC soon became sanctioned by state athletic commissions and was soon considered a legitimate sport. The removal of the no holds barred label caused UFC to regain its pay-per-view deal. The sport was now marketed as mixed martial arts.

The UFC has seen a rise in mainstream popularity over the past few years. They have a cable television deal with SPIKE TV and hold monthly pay-per-view events. UFC is continuing to expand its market as UFC fighters like Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Chuck Liddell and others become more popular.

Weight Classes

• Lightweight: 146 to 155 lb (67 to 70 kg)
• Welterweight: 156 to 170 lb (71 to 77 kg)
• Middleweight: 171 to 185 lb (78 to 84 kg)
• Light Heavyweight: 186 to 205 lb (85 to 93 kg)
• Heavyweight: 206 to 265 lb (94 to 120 kg)

Categories