MixedMartialArtsHistory.com answers Who, what, when, why, and how was MMA created: The complete lineage and timeline from Pankration to UFC and everything in-between and all the milestones and “firsts” in mixed martial arts history. Question #1: “When did MMA start in America?” Let’s travel back to 1979, and meet the Godfathers of MMA in the United States for the answer. Here are some popular myths, facts, and mixed martial arts rumors
11-01-2023
THE MARTIAL “STATE” OF AMERICA: Indigenous forms of martial arts were prevalent in pre-colonial times among Native American tribes, while later immigrants indirectly spread fighting arts unique to their respective cultures.
11-01-2023
Influencers and disruptors. Meet the men and women who changed the game. The GOAT’s of mixed martial arts.
WME-IMG buys UFC for $4 Billion
McGregor vs Mayweather spectacle
Ultimate Fighter (2005) Saves UFC
Bob Meyrowitz takes the reigns
Criticized by Senator John McCain
Refined the sport by working with State
Athletic Commissions.
Monetized MMA
Monopolizes market
(buys Pride, Strikeforce
merge WEC)
Fox Partnership (2010).
Global introduction of MMA: PPV
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu explosion
Key Players Art Davie, John Milius,
and Rorion Gracie
Shoot wrestling hybrid
Bill Viola writes the first codified set of rules
Birth of American MMA sport/league-1980
Introduction of organized/regulated MMA
Boxer vs Wrestler contest
Enter The Dragon boom
First televised mixed-fight contest
NHB Mixed-fights “sideshows” popular
contests around the world including
catch wrestling.
Prize-fighting Judoka settles in Brazil.
Teaches the Gracies Judo who in turn
morph the art into “BrazilianJiu-Jitsu.
PANKRATION
Influenced by ancient Chinese and Indian
martial arts.
Hybrid of pro wrestling and MMA
Tough Guy Law” PA Senate Bill 632
bans the sport. Major setback.
First legal precedent in history.
MMA Influencers and disruptors. Meet the men and women who changed the game. The GOAT’s of mixed martial arts.
