The UFC’s History: Transforming the Mixed Martial Arts Industry
The UFC®, which began as a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organization in 1993, has revolutionized the fight industry and is currently the largest pay-per-view (PPV) event provider in the world, a premium global sports brand, and a media content corporation.
Origins in Antiquated Combat Customs
Beginning with the introduction of the Pankration event in the 648 BC Greek Olympic Games, the UFC has a long and illustrious history of competitive mixed martial arts. Vale Tudo (literally “anything goes”), a Brazilian variation of mixed martial arts, ignited local interest in the sport almost eight decades ago. Then, the UFC brought sanctioned and organized mixed martial arts to the US.
A one-night competition to determine the “Ultimate Fighting Champion” was the initial objective. The top competitors from a variety of martial arts disciplines, such as karate, jiu-jitsu, boxing, kickboxing, grappling, wrestling, sumo, and other combat sports, would compete in this competition. The tournament winner would receive the title of champion.
The Development Under New Ownership
Under the leadership of Frank Fertitta III, Lorenzo Fertitta, and Dana White, Zuffa, LLC acquired the UFC brand in January 2001, turning mixed martial arts (MMA) into a highly regulated, sanctioned, and controlled combat sport. With its headquarters in Las Vegas and a global workforce, UFC currently hosts more than 40 live events a year and routinely sells out some of the most renowned arenas in the world.
Worldwide Presence and Abundant Adoption
Through more than 60 international broadcast partners, UFC content is aired in more than 165 countries and territories, reaching 1.1 billion TV households globally in over 40 languages. With 40% of its audience being millennials (those between the ages of 18 and 34), UFC has the largest millennial fan base in sports and is therefore one of the most well-liked sports properties among younger fans.
Using UFC Fight Pass® to pioneer digital access
UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service that offers fans worldwide access to thousands of fights on demand, exclusive live events, and unique content, was introduced by the UFC in December 2013. For combat fans seeking all-inclusive access to MMA events, this over-the-top digital network has emerged as the leading choice.
Dedication to Health, Safety, and Dispelling Stereotypes
The UFC has consistently aimed for the greatest levels of quality and safety in every facet of the sport over the years. The group has made an effort to dispel gender stereotypes and establish new standards for the wellbeing and health of athletes. The UFC was the first combat sports organization to offer accidental injury insurance coverage to its competitors for injuries sustained during training.
A Legendary Anti-Doping Collaboration
By collaborating with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to develop a groundbreaking and all-encompassing anti-doping program in July 2015, UFC made a significant contribution to safeguarding athlete health. With this collaboration, MMA entered a new era of ethical competitiveness and athlete responsibility.
The UFC Fight Kit and Athlete Outfitting Policy is now available.
The UFC Fight Kit and its first-ever athlete outfitting guidelines were also unveiled in July 2015. The branded clothing, created in collaboration with Reebok, was introduced as the UFC’s exclusive global outfitter. This campaign improved the brand’s reputation and gave fighters premium equipment made especially for mixed martial arts professionals.
The UFC Performance Institute’s founding
The world-famous UFC Performance Institute was part of the UFC’s new global corporate campus in Las Vegas, which debuted in December 2015. This cutting-edge institution focuses on professional athlete rehabilitation, injury prevention, recuperation, and treatment, as well as the scientific development of fighters and coaches. The greatest MMA training materials in the planet are offered by it.
Encouragement of Research on Brain Health
The Professional Fighters Brain Health Study will receive $1 million from UFC as part of a five-year extension of the organization’s collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic, which was announced in February 2016. This research aims to identify those who may be more susceptible to long-term neurological disorders and to create strategies for identifying early and subtle indicators of brain damage in athletes who have experienced concussions.
Endeavor Acquires a Landmark
Global leaders in sports, entertainment, and fashion, Endeavor, along with strategic partners KKR and Silver Lake Partners, acquired UFC in August 2016. The largest financial transaction in sports property history was this acquisition, which paved the way for UFC’s future development and international expansion.
Summary
From its origins in traditional combat sports to its current status as a major force in modern mixed martial arts, UFC has transformed the sport by making it a professional sport, reaching a global audience, and putting athlete health and safety first. With state-of-the-art venues, innovative collaborations, and a sizable fan base, UFC remains the premier venue for mixed martial arts competition and entertainment.