The Rise of Mixed Martial Arts

Ultimate Fighting is the fastest growing sport in the world. Evolving from the days of underground bare knuckle fighting in small bars and arenas, this sport has elevated into what we now know as MMA, or Mixed Martial Arts. Martial Arts tournaments have taken place all over the world for many years; however MMA blasted onto the scene when the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championships) was formed in 1993.

The formation of the UFC allowed all arts and styles to come together and showcase their many skills and talents while settling the age old question of which style is the best. Competitors came from all over the world to display their talents in every area of martial arts from boxing to wrestling, but only one man beat all comers with his style. His name was Royce Gracie.

His style, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, is regarded as the most effective fighting style in the world. This is a submission ground fighting style that incorporates chokes and joint manipulation using leverage. Royce easily defeated world class fighters in the first two UFC’s which brought attention to what was predominately effective in a fight.

All fighters had then realized that being a complete fighter meant cross training in all styles. Stand-up styles such as boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai incorporate the use of knees and elbows. Ground styles include: Judo, which utilizes an opponent’s weight as a weapon while using joint locks and throws, wrestling for the take downs and clinches to control the opponent, and of course Jiu Jitsu for submissions.

Today’s martial artist is well versed in each of these styles producing the Mixed Martial Artist (MMA). The UFC is the sole organization that has compiled most of the world’s greatest and most equipped fighters. All the top organizations including the Japanese league Pride Fighting and WEC have been integrated into the UFC to establish it as the World Power in the Mixed Martial Arts world.

An additional fighting organization, the IFL, is a team based competition and is considered in my opinion to be the minor league of the MMA. Another league that has burst onto the scene and continues to strengthen is Showtime’s Elite XC, an organization that has signed world class fighters and will soon be a Power to be reckoned with in MMA.

Mixed Martial Arts has over-taken boxing in popularity cultivating more money and more Pay Per View purchases. It is the fastest growing sport in the world and one of the greatest around. If you have never before watched an MMA event, I urge you to rent one and watch yourself become a fan.

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