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Period: to
Conception to Present Day
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Conception of the UFC and UFC 1
The Ultimate Fighting Champtionship was created in 1993 as a way of testing martial arts against each other -
The UFC is purchased by SEG
This purchase lead to little change in the sport as the match makers remained the same and there was some degree of negative stigma still around the sport. -
Padded gloves are made mandatory, kicks on ground made illegal
In an effort to gain a sense of legitimacy among the public, the UFC and athletic commissions make kicks the the head of a grounded opponent illegal and mandate padded gloves. -
10 point scoring system is put in place
This is important for the efficacy of fighting as a real sport. -
UFC 23 airs with newly enacted "unified rules"
Arguably the most important factor in the rise of mixed martial arts as a sport, the unified rules allowed promotions to follow a consistent rule set. -
The UFC is purchased by the Fertitta Brothers for $2 million
As wealthy investors who were passionate about the sport, the Fertitta Brothers were what mixed martial arts needed to gain ground toward legitimacy -
Reality show "The Ultimate Fighter" is released.
An additional effort to promote the sport, TUF is responsible for producing some of the sports biggest stars -
TUF 1 Finale: Bonnar vs Griffen
This event is credited with saving the UFC as the sport was looking as though it's days were numbered. -
UFC 100: Mir vs Lesnar breaks pay per view record with 1.7 m buys
WWE wrestler brought his popularity into an MMA contest with Frank Mir to break the record for pay per view buys. -
The UFC signs a 7 year deal with FOX
A critical role in the popularity increase of the sport was the increase in exposure due to being on FOX. -
Ronda Rousey becomes first female fighter to be signed by the UFC
A monumental achievement for gender equality! -
All time ticket sales record is set at $17 million at UFC 205
Irish fighter Conor Mcgregor becomes the first UFC fighter to win a championship in 2 weight classes at the same time.
