Boxing vs MMA at UFC 1 As MMA Just Turned 17 In The U.S. But Way Older Elsewhere

Boxing vs MMA at UFC 1 with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu proponent Royce Gracie vs IBF Boxer (Cruiser Weight) Art Jimmerson on November 12, 1993 from McNichols Arena in Denver, Colorado.





MMA is based on ancient and modern fighting systems and philosophy.  In 500 B.C. Ancient Greek pankratiasts often immobilized their opponent's arms in preparation for either a strike or takedown (referred to as trapping).  See Jim Arvanitis' book,"The First Mixed Martial Art: Pankration from Myths to Modern Times." MMA matches have been held in Japan since the 1970s and Brazil’s Vale Tudo (which roughly translates to “anything goes” in martial arts) since the 1920s. It was in the 1920s in Brazil when George Gracie defeated Tico Soledade. See our second post for more information.

Brazilian martial arts magazines from the past, vale tudo ("anything goes") with MMA legends like Marcos "King of the Streets" Ruas who we saw win live at UFC 7 in Buffalo, NY.  Sign our petition to allow MMA back into New York.